cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of right temporoparietal junction in processing social prediction error across relationship contexts

How do people update their impressions of close others? Although people may be motivated to maintain their positive impressions, they may also update their impressions, when their expectations are violated (i.e., prediction error). Combining neuroimaging and computational modeling, we test the hypothesis that brain regions associated with theory of mind (ToM), especially right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ), underpin both motivated impression maintenance and impression updating evoked by prediction error. Participants had money either given to or taken away from them by a friend or a stranger, and were then asked to rate each partner on trustworthiness and closeness across trials. Overall, participants engaged in less impression updating for friends versus strangers. Decreased rTPJ activity in response to a friend's negative behavior (taking money) was associated with reduced negative updating and increased positive ratings of the friend. However, to the extent that participants did update their impressions (more negative ratings) of friends, this behavioral pattern was explained by greater prediction error and greater rTPJ activity. These findings suggest that rTPJ recruitment represents the integration of prediction error signals and the capacity to overcome people's motivation to maintain positive impressions of friends in the face of conflicting evidence.
Effects of prepelleting whole corn inclusion on broiler performance, intestinal microbiota, and carcass characteristics

Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of whole corn inclusion before pelleting on performance, processing yield, and microbiome modulation of broilers from 1 to 42 d of age. One thousand male Ross 708 broilers were randomly distributed among 4 treatments, with 10 replicate pens per treatment and 25 broilers per pen. Treatments consisted of 4 levels of whole corn (0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%) replacing ground corn. Feed intake and BW were determined at 14, 28, and 42 d, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated by considering the weight of the mortality. At 42 d, ileal and cecal contents were analyzed to determine intestinal microbiota. At 43 d, 10 birds per pen were processed for yield determination. Data were evaluated using the ANOVA procedure (PROC GLM), and means were separated using Tukey's honestly significant difference procedure. Inclusion of whole corn did not influence BW and feed intake (P > 0.05) until 42 d of age. However, broilers consuming diets with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% whole corn had lower FCR from 28 to 42 d of age (1.93, 1.95, and 1.94 vs. 2.00, P
Waning efficacy in a long-term AAV-mediated gene therapy study in the murine model of Krabbe disease.

Neonatal AAV9-gene therapy of the lysosomal enzyme galactosylceramidase (GALC) significantly ameliorates central and peripheral neuropathology, prolongs survival, and largely normalizes motor deficits in Twitcher mice. Despite these therapeutic milestones, new observations identified the presence of multiple small focal demyelinating areas in the brain after 6–8 months. These lesions are in stark contrast to the diffuse, global demyelination that affects the brain of naive Twitcher mice. Late-onset lesions exhibited lysosomal alterations with reduced expression of GALC and increased psychosine levels. Furthermore, we found that lesions were closely associated with the extravasation of plasma fibrinogen and activation of the fibrinogen-BMP-SMAD-GFAP gliotic response. Extravasation of fibrinogen correlated with tight junction disruptions of the vasculature within the lesioned areas. The lesions were surrounded by normal appearing white matter. Our study shows that the dysregulation of therapeutic GALC was likely driven by the exhaustion of therapeutic AAV episomal DNA within the lesions, paralleling the presence of proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitors and glia. We believe that this is the first demonstration of diminishing expression in vivo from an AAV gene therapy vector with detrimental effects in the brain of a lysosomal storage disease animal model. The development of this phenotype linking localized loss of GALC activity with relapsing neuropathology in the adult brain of neonatally AAV-gene therapy-treated Twitcher mice identifies and alerts to possible late-onset reductions of AAV efficacy, with implications to other genetic leukodystrophies.
Together we survive: the role of social messaging networks in building social capital and disaster resilience among minority communities

Ethnic and racial minority communities often suffer more from disasters due to a lack of access to resources from governmental agencies and other organizations that provide disaster relief. To explore the role of social media in addressing this problem, this study investigates whether a popular social messaging application among the Chinese immigrant community, WeChat, helped victims of Harvey overcome the detrimental impacts of the hurricane. In particular, we compared Chinese Houstonians’ psychological well-being with other ethnic and racial minority groups in the region. Results indicate that Chinese WeChat users in Houston successfully utilized social capital and achieved stronger resilience as compared to other ethnic and racial groups.
Multi-exposure interferometric diffusing wave spectroscopy (MiDWS)

Maintenance of cerebral blood flow (CBF) is required for normal brain function. Yet, measuring CBF in adult humans requires high-end medical instrumentation. Here, leveraging two-dimensional (2D) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, we present and validate an optical approach, called multi-exposure interferometric Diffusing Wave Spectroscopy (MiDWS), to monitor blood flow index (BFI), a proxy for CBF, via the adult human forehead. MiDWS employs interferometry to detect low light levels, and probes the optical field autocorrelation by varying the sensor exposure time. This approach may enable human brain optical BFI monitoring with 2D CMOS sensors, with associated economies of scale.
The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aflibercept and ranibizumab anti-VEGF Injections

Purpose : The COVID-19 Pandemic resulted in a substantial decrease in outpatient ophthalmology clinic visits due to stay-at-home orders. Retinal vascular diseases and wet age-related macular degeneration require adherence to treatment regimens with antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. The purpose of this study was to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the number of injections compared to prepandemic values. Methods : This retrospective, observational clinical study assessed all anti-VEGF injections of aflibercept and ranibizumab for both 2019 (Jan-Dec) and 2020 (Jan-Nov) at an academic center. The total number of injections for each year was compared, as well as the number of injections for each month in 2020 compared to the average number of monthly injections in 2019. Both 1-sample and 2-sample t-tests were conducted, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results : The total number of aflibercept and ranibizumab injections in 2019 (Jan-Nov) were 4989 and 522 respectively, compared to 4855 and 515 in 2020 (Jan-Nov). No significant difference in injections was noted between 2019 and 2020 for either aflibercept (p=0.31) or ranibizumab (p=0.80). When analyzing each month in 2020 compared to the average number of aflibercept injections per month in 2019, there were significantly fewer aflibercept injections administered in February (p<0.01), August (p=0.03), and November (p<0.01), but significantly higher injections administered in July (p<0.01) and October (p<0.01). For ranibizumab, significantly fewer injections were administered in March (p=0.02), April (p=0.02), and May (p<0.01), but a higher number of injections were administered in September (p<0.01) and November (p<0.01). Conclusions : Despite stay-at-home orders, there was no significant decrease in the overall number of aflibercept or ranibizumab injections during the COVID pandemic compared to the prior year. Although further information is needed to determine if these injections represent both new and return patients, these data suggest that in this specific population, patients still returned to their retina specialist for care despite the ongoing pandemic.
A molecular dynamics investigation on the effects of electrostatic forces on nanoscale thin film evaporation

Abstract Thin-film evaporation is relevant for electronics cooling, water desalination, and some energy conversion processes, and the overall performance of such applications relies on the adequate understanding of heating-induced phase-change mechanisms. Given the importance of polar compounds, such as alumina, for nanoporous membranes in water desalination, the effects of electrostatic forces on thin-film evaporation were investigated in this paper by means of molecular dynamics simulations. The influence of the electrostatic interactions was assessed by modelling the alumina-water interactions using two approaches: i) accounting for electrostatic and dispersive van der Waals (vdWs) forces between the solid and liquid atoms (LJ+Coulombic model), and ii) considering only dispersive vdWs interactions (LJ model). Additionally, a theoretical model based on the Schrage relationships was developed to compare theory and simulations. The results showed considerable differences in the evaporation rates obtained from the two interfacial models. For the LJ+Coulombic model, the liquid films were 40% thicker, and the maximum evaporation mass flux was lower than the LJ model by a factor of two. The theoretical Schrage relationships deviated from the simulation evaporation fluxes with errors of 2.2-18.1% and 24.0-57.9% for the LJ+Coulombic and LJ models, respectively. These observations suggest that the partial charges in the solid affect the evaporation behavior of water if the films are ∼5 nm or thinner. Moreover, the significant deviations in the evaporation behavior demonstrated the importance of a robust interfacial modelling approach to investigate thin-film evaporation in polar interfaces.
Aromatic Amino Acid Biosynthesis: Gene-Enzyme Relationships in Bacillus subtilis

Single step mutants of Bacillus subtilis which required either one or all of the aromatic amino acids for growth were isolated. The relevant gene defect was determined for each mutant by enzyme assays in vitro. A mutant deficient in each enzyme step of aromatic amino acid biosynthesis was found with the exceptions of the shikimate kinase and the phenylalanine and tyrosine transaminases. Representative mutants carrying the defective genes were mapped by deoxyribonucleic acid mediated transformation by reference to the aromatic amino acid gene (aro) cluster and, alternately, to any of the other unlinked aro genes. The genes coding for dehydroquinate synthetase, 3-enol pyruvylshikimate 5-phosphate synthetase, one form of chorismate mutase, and prephenate dehydrogenase are linked to the aro cluster. Except for the previously identified linkage between the genes of 3-deoxy-d-arabino heptulosonic acid 7-phosphate synthetase and one species of chorismate mutase, the other genes involved in this pathway are neither linked to the aro cluster nor to each other.
The role and properties of the iron-sulfur cluster in Escherichia coli dihydroxy-acid dehydratase.

Dihydroxy-acid dehydratase has been purified from Escherichia coli and characterized as a homodimer with a subunit molecular weight of 66,000. The combination of UV visible absorption, EPR, magnetic circular dichroism, and resonance Raman spectroscopies indicates that the native enzyme contains a [4Fe-4S]2+,+ cluster, in contrast to spinach dihydroxy-acid dehydratase which contains a [2Fe-2S]2+,+ cluster (Flint, D. H., and Emptage, M. H. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 3558-3564). In frozen solution, the reduced [4Fe-4S]+ cluster has a S = 3/2 ground state with minor contributions from forms with S = 1/2 and possibly S = 5/2 ground states. Resonance Raman studies of the [4Fe-4S]2+ cluster in E. coli dihydroxy-acid dehydratase indicate non-cysteinyl coordination of a specific iron, which suggests that it is likely to be directly involved in catalysis as is the case with aconitase (Emptage, M. H., Kent, T. A., Kennedy, M. C., Beinert, H., and Munck, E. (1983) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80, 4674-4678). Dihydroxy-acid dehydratase from E. coli is inactivated by O2 in vitro and in vivo as a result of oxidative degradation of the [4Fe-4S]cluster. Compared to aconitase, the oxidized cluster of E. coli dihydroxy-acid dehydratase appears to be less stable as either a cubic or linear [3Fe-4S] cluster or a [2Fe-2S] cluster. Oxidative degradation appears to lead to a complete breakdown of the Fe-S cluster, and the resulting protein cannot be reactivated with Fe2+ and thiol reducing agents.
Spent: America After Consumerism

Much of the debate over how to address the economic crisis has focused on a single word: regulation. And it’s easy to understand why. Bad behavior by a variety of businesses landed us in this mess — so it seems rather obvious that the way to avoid future economic meltdowns is to create, and vigorously enforce, new rules proscribing such behavior. But the truth is quite a bit more complicated. The world economy consists of billions of transactions every day. There can never be enough inspectors, accountants, customs officers, and police to ensure that all or even most of these transactions are properly carried out. Moreover, those charged with enforcing regulations are themselves not immune to corruption, and, hence, they too must be supervised and held accountable to others — who also have to be somehow regulated. The upshot is that regulation cannot be the linchpin of attempts to reform our economy. What is needed instead is something far more sweeping: for people to internalize a different sense of how one ought to behave, and act on it because they believe it is right.
GABA Transporters Regulate Inhibition in the Retina by Limiting GABAC Receptor Activation

Inhibition is mediated by two classes of ionotropic receptors in the retina, GABAA and GABAC receptors. We used the GABA transport blocker NO-711 to examine the role of GABA transporters in shaping synaptic responses mediated by these two receptors in the salamander retinal slice preparation. Focal applications (puffs) of GABA onto GABAC receptors on bipolar cells terminals or GABAA receptors on ganglion cells elicited currents that were enhanced by NO-711, demonstrating the presence of transporters in the inner plexiform layer (IPL). IPSCs were evoked in bipolar and ganglion cells by puffing kainate into the IPL. NO-711 enhanced the IPSCs only in bipolar cells, suggesting that, when GABA uptake was blocked, the GABAC receptors were more strongly activated by spillover transmission than the GABAAreceptors on ganglion cells. NO-711 enhanced the light-evoked IPSCs mediated by GABAC receptors on bipolar cell axon terminals, which resulted in reduced transmission between bipolar and ganglion cells. NO-711 also shifted the intensity–response relationship of the ganglion cell, reducing its sensitivity to light. Surround illumination has been shown by others to produce similar shifts in ganglion cell light sensitivity. Our results show that GABA transporters limit the extent of inhibitory transmission at the inner retina during light-evoked signal processing.
Duhamel solutions of non-homogeneous ²-analogue wave equations

q-analogue non-homogeneous wave equations are solved by a Duhamel solution strategy using constructions with g-analogue Fourier multipliers to compensate for the dependence of the analogue differential Leibnitz rule on the parity of the functions involved.
Worried About us: Evaluating an Intervention for Relationship-Based Anxiety

Although romantic relationships are commonly a source of pleasure and comfort, for some individuals they can be a source of persistent anxiety. The aim of the current investigation was to explore the construct of relationship-based anxiety and to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief couple-based psychoeducational session for this issue. Common behavioral patterns and cognitive tendencies seen among individuals with relationship-based anxiety were examined, including excessive reassurance-seeking, self-silencing, and partner accommodation. In the current investigation, a single psychoeducational session was developed to address these maladaptive interactive patterns of behavior specifically. The session was administered to a sample of 21 couples and was found to decrease levels of reassurance-seeking and self-silencing significantly among individuals with relationship anxiety, and to decrease levels of maladaptive accommodation behaviors significantly in their partners.
Resistance to mate guarding scale in women: psychometric properties.

One individual's actions may affect the evolutionary fitness of another individual. Sexually antagonistic coevolution occurs when one partner's behavior decreases the fitness of the other partner (Rice, 1996). This conflict pressures the other partner to counter these disadvantageous actions. Mate guarding is a mate retention tactic aimed at keeping a partner from cheating. Mate guarding may reduce mate choice, especially for extra pair mates. Therefore, some individuals may resist their partner's mate guarding tactics. We developed a scale to measure resistance to mate guarding and tested it in women (N = 1069). Using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), six theoretically sound factors emerged and explained 69% of the variance. Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed strong support for the six original subscales as well as for the overall scale. The subscales had high reliability. The validity of the Resistance to Mate Guarding Scale was also excellent. Women who stated they used more resistance to mate guardi...
Beyond Nation? A Thrice-Told Tale from Bulgaria’s Postsocialist Soundstage

This article juxtaposes musical and dramatic productions popularized by three prominent Bulgarian national folkloric ensembles during the 2000s to illuminate the perspectival dialogues on nation at play within Bulgarian artistic communities. While presentations by the National Folkloric Ensemble “Bŭlgare” traffic in timeworn but disturbingly powerful primordialist appeals to ethnonationalist sentiment, those of rhythmic gymnast Neshka Robeva’s company “Neshanŭl Art” sidestep and extend the concept of nation by resituating local choreography and movement in a diaspora of international venues and transnational genres. Most strikingly, through strategically composed and choreographed works that call upon diverse regional and international folkloric and popular culture styles, including those of minority populations, the National Folkloric Ensemble “Philip Kutev” is deliberately performing against gender and ethnonationalist stereotypes in favor of productions cosmopolitan in form and postnationalist in content. In so doing, they are redefining the very essence of “national” folklore in direct defiance of a lingering socialist-era cultural policy legacy, while simultaneously parrying market tensions, touristic expectations, and dwindling governmental support.
Aluminum Toxicity Alters the Regulation of Calbindin-D28k Protein and mRNA Expression in Chick Intestine

Previous studies have shown that aluminum inhibits vitamin D-dependent calcium absorption. The mechanism involves reduced sensitivity to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and reduced expression of the calcium transport protein, calbindin-D28k. Reduced expression of calbindin protein may be due to decreased levels of calbindin mRNA. To test this hypothesis, we measured calbindin mRNA levels in chicks fed diets with and without added aluminum. Groups of chicks were fed one of four diets: control, control plus aluminum, low calcium, or low calcium plus aluminum. A fifth group was fed a vitamin D-free diet as a negative control. Calbindin protein was measured by immunoblotting. Serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus were determined. Intestinal mRNA was isolated and assayed by slot-blot hybridization to a fluorescein-conjugated oligonucleotide probe complementary to calbindin-D28k mRNA. Antifluorescein antibodies conjugated to alkaline phosphatase were used to detect hybrids and mRNA levels were quantified by densitometry. Specificity of the probe was verified by Northern analysis. Intestinal calbindin protein was greater in the control plus aluminum group than in controls, but no difference in calbindin mRNA was observed. These changes were associated with small decreases in serum phosphorus and calcium, suggesting a postranscriptional effect of aluminum. Chicks fed the low calcium diet had greater intestinal calbindin protein and mRNA levels relative to the control group in association with a 45% decrease in serum calcium. In contrast, no difference in calbindin protein, and significantly less mRNA were found in the low calcium plus aluminum group compared with controls, despite a decrease in serum calcium similar to that of chicks fed the low calcium diet without aluminum. These results show that in chicks fed a low calcium diet, aluminum intake decreases transcription and/or stability of intestinal calbindin mRNA, and that aluminum may inhibit the expression of vitamin D-dependent genes.
High Fecundity in Poultry

Abstract AS the level of egg production increases in flocks bred for high fecundity, more environmental and hereditary factors influencing annual egg production are being reported. This study includes three sections each concerned with different phases of the problem in a closed flock for Rhode Island Reds that has been bred for high fecundity for many years. The first section includes a study of the decline in egg production from first to second laying year in five generations of birds. The second section has to do with some possible new factors that may affect production. The third section includes a study of the two environmental factors, house temperature and length of day in relation to egg production over a three year period. 1. DECLINE IN EGG PRODUCTION FROM FIRST TO SECOND LAYING YEAR IN RHODE ISLAND REDS Birds bred for high fecundity normally exhibit a significant decline the second year in . . .
Deoxyribonucleic Acid Sensor for the Detection of Somatic Cells in Bovine Milk

Subclinical mastitis is a costly disease of the dairy industry and is presently diagnosed by somatic cell counts. Current detection methods for cell counts include automated machines at remote laboratory sites and subjective farm tests. An alternate method was developed to quantify somatic cells using a rapid assay and sensor that were designed to be easily amenable to an on-line sensor. The detection was based on fluorescence from PicoGreen labelled deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA), which was extracted from cells by diluting milk 1:10 with a high pH buffer and a non-ionic detergent. The high pH buffer served to reduce milk opacity and eliminate enzymes that degrade DNA, and the non-ionic detergent served to lyse cells and release DNA into solution. A sensor was designed to measure fluorescence based on dye peak excitation of 480 nm and peak emission of 520 nm. A light-emitting diode with a peak wavelength of 470 nm was used in conjunction with a 480 nm short-pass filter to excite PicoGreen, and a photodiode with peak sensitivity of 565 nm was used in conjunction with a 520 nm long-pass filter to detect fluorescence. The sensor was calibrated with calf thymus DNA in buffer and with DNA extracted from milk using a commercial kit and the detergent extraction method. The regression of sensor output on calf thymus DNA concentration produced a positive linear response, demonstrating the ability of the sensor to detect double-stranded DNA in a linear range up to 6 μg/ml. Sensor output based on DNA extracted from milk with the commercial kit and detergent extraction were regressed against microscopic somatic cell counts. The standard errors of prediction for the commercial kit and detergent extraction were 84 and 406 kcell/ml, respectively. The calibrated system was tested by classifying predicted cell counts into low ( 750 kcell/ml) categories and comparing with the actual classes based on microscopic analysis. Commercial kit classifications were correct for nine out of ten samples. Detergent extraction classifications were correct for six out of 15 samples, but improved to ten out of 15 when based on logistic regression. For a low–high classification with counts below and above 200 kcell/ml, detergent extractions were correct 12 out of 15 times when based on either linear or logistic regression.
Cytochrome photooxidation at liqud nitrogen temperatures in photosynthetic bacteria.

Abstract The whole cells of a number of purple photosynthetic bacteria representing both sulfur and nonsulfur species of these unique microorganisms were examined with respect to their ability to undergo the photooxidation of a cytochrome and other light-induced absorbance changes at 77°K. Out of a total of fifteen species thus far investigated, twelve have been found to possess a c -type cytochrome which is capable of undergoing photooxidation at temperatures of liquid nitrogen. Evidence is presented for the reversible oxidation-reduction reaction of cytochrome c in Rhodopseudomonas palustris at 77°K. In addition to the cytochrome reaction, absorbance changes caused by other spectral components were also observed in many species at 77°K. These changes were identified with a spectral shift of carotenoid peaks, P435, and tentatively with a minor band of bacteriochlorophyll in the light- minus -dark difference spectra. It is postulated that the difference in the electron transfer times of cytochrome c and the diversity of absorbance changes at 77°K noted in a variety of bacteria are due to species variation in the molecular orientation of spectral components within the photosynthetic apparatus.
Genetic Analysis of Sorting Nexins 1 and 2 Reveals a Redundant and Essential Function in Mice

Sorting nexins 1 (Snx1) and 2 (Snx2) are homologues of the yeast gene VPS5 that is required for proper endosome-to-Golgi trafficking. The prevailing thought is that Vps5p is a component of a retrograde trafficking complex called the retromer. Genetic and biochemical evidence suggest mammals may have similar complexes, but their biological role is unknown. Furthermore, if SNX1 and SNX2 belong to such complexes, it is not known whether they act together or separately. Herein, we show that mice lacking SNX1 or SNX2 are viable and fertile, whereas embryos deficient in both proteins arrest at midgestation. These results demonstrate that SNX1 and SNX2 have a highly redundant and necessary function in the mouse. The phenotype of Snx1(-/-);Snx2(-/-) embryos is very similar to that of embryos lacking another retromer homologue, Hbeta58. This finding suggests that SNX1/SNX2 and Hbeta58 function in the same genetic pathway, providing additional evidence for the existence of mammalian complexes that are structurally similar to the yeast retromer. Furthermore, the viability of Snx1(-/-) and Snx2(-/-) mice demonstrates that it is not necessary for SNX1 and SNX2 to act together. Electron microscopy indicates morphological alterations of apical intracellular compartments in the Snx1(-/-);Snx2(-/-) yolk-sac visceral endoderm, suggesting SNX1 and SNX2 may be required for proper cellular trafficking. However, tetraploid aggregation experiments suggest that yolk sac defects cannot fully account for Snx1(-/-); Snx2(-/-) embryonic lethality. Furthermore, endocytosis of transferrin and low-density lipoprotein is unaffected in mutant primary embryonic fibroblasts, indicating that SNX1 and SNX2 are not essential for endocytosis in all cells. Although the two proteins demonstrate functional redundancy, Snx1(+/-);Snx2(-/-) mice display abnormalities not observed in Snx1(-/-);Snx2(+/-) mice, revealing that SNX1 and SNX2, or their genetic regulation, are not equivalent. Significantly, these studies represent the first mutations in the mammalian sorting nexin gene family and indicate that sorting nexins perform essential functions in mammals.
Development of the Physical Activity Class Satisfaction Questionnaire (PACSQ)

The purpose of this study was to develop the Physical Activity Class Satisfaction Questionnaire (PACSQ). In Study 1, qualitative data were collected from 16 students. The results, coupled with a review of the relevant literature, helped to construct the various dimensions of satisfaction. In Study 2, a quantitative questionnaire was developed and administered to 194 students; based on the results, slight changes were made to the questionnaire. Additional data were then collected in Study 3 from 179 students to test the revised questionnaire. The PACSQ consists of nine dimensions of satisfaction: Mastery Experiences, Cognitive Development, Teaching, Normative Success, Interaction with Others, Fun and Enjoyment, Improvement of Health and Fitness, Diversionary Experiences, and Relaxation. The findings have implications for physical activity class instructors and for program managers.
Cardiac computed tomography using redundant-ray prospective gating.

A fourth‐generation, computed tomographic (CT) scanner, equipped for prospectively gated cardiacimaging, was modified to control the scan data acquisition by using knowledge of the location of redundant rays in the sinogram. In conventional prospective gating, a computer monitors the electrocardiogram (ECG) and calculates when to initiate the next scan in a gated series in order to acquire all 360° of projection data for a desired phase of the cardiac cycle. However, in each scan of a series, every projection ray is measured twice (when the positions of the source and detector are reversed). Redundant‐ray prospective gating takes advantage of this information to improve the efficiency of data acquisition. Using a heart phantom ‘‘beating’’ at 90 min− 1, images of all phases of the cardiac cycle with 100‐ms temporal resolution were obtained in four scans with redundant‐ray gating; whereas a four‐scan series with conventional prospective gating yielded worse images of 170‐ms resolution.
Muscle capillary tortuosity in high altitude mice depends on sarcomere length

Abstract At given capillary-to-fiber ratio and sarcomere length, capillary tortuosity determines capillary length and the geometry of blood-tissue exchange in muscles. It is therefore an important determinant of the potential efficiency of O 2 supply to the muscle fibers. Reports have indicated that capillary tortuosity increases with adaptation to hypoxia. Unfortunately, sarcomere length was not taken into account. Because capillary tortuosity increases substantially as the muscle shortens, it is important to measure sarcomere length when comparing capillary configuration among muscles. We addressed the question of whether or not capillary tortuosity is greater in skeletal muscles of high altitude mice compared to sea-level, when account is taken of sarcomere length. Calf and thigh muscles of high altitude (3800 m; inspired P O2 , 91 mm Hg) and sea-level deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus , were perfusion-fixed in situ at sarcomere lengths ranging from 1.9 to 2.4 μm. Capillary-to-fiber ratio, capillary length per volume of fiber, and the degree of orientation (anisotropy) of capillaries were estimated by morphometry. In both sea-level and high altitude mice, capillaries were relatively straight in extended muscles, and substantially more tortuous in muscles fixed at shorter sarcomere length. There was no systematic difference in the degree of tortuosity of capillaries in the high altitude compared to sea-level mice, when account was taken of sarcomere length. Capillary length per volume of muscle fiber and capillary-to-fiber ratio were not significantly different between the two groups.
The relationship between Web site design and organizational responsiveness to stakeholders

Abstract The Internet and World Wide Web are emerging as important public relations tools for both profit and non-profit organizations. Little evidence exists, however, about the extent to which new technologies help organizations build relationships with publics. This article examines the relationship between Web site design and organizational responsiveness to stakeholder information needs. Two organizational types with differing levels of resource dependency (general environmental activist and watchdog groups) are examined. Our analysis assesses each organizational type’s general dialogic capacity as well as the responsiveness of the organizations to requests for information.
Heme-dependent metalloregulation by the iron response regulator (Irr) protein in Rhizobium and other Alpha-proteobacteria

Perception and response to nutritional iron by bacteria is essential for viability, and for the ability to adapt to the environment. The iron response regulator (Irr) is part of a novel regulatory scheme employed by Rhizobium and other Alpha-Proteobacteria to control iron-dependent gene expression. Bradyrhizobium japonicum senses iron through the status of heme biosynthesis to regulate gene expression, thus it responds to an iron-dependent process rather than to iron directly. Irr mediates this response by interacting directly with ferrochelatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the final step in heme biosynthesis. Irr is expressed under iron limitation to both positively and negatively modulate gene expression, but degrades in response to direct binding to heme in iron-sufficient cells. Studies with Rhizobium reveal that the regulation of iron homeostasis in bacteria is more diverse than has been generally assumed.
Plant Stanol/Sterol Ester‐Containing Foods and Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, and an elevated low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level is one risk factor. The primary nonpharmacological approach to reducing LDL-cholesterol levels is to restrict dietary saturated fat and cholesterol. Adjunct strategies are frequently superimposed as well. One newer approach is to substitute foods containing plant sterol/stanol esters for conventional foods such as margarines and salad dressings. Daily consumption of 2–3 g of plant sterol/stanol esters has been reported to reduce LDL-cholesterol levels by 9% to 20%, with considerable individual variability. This cholesterol lowering appears additive to that achieved with saturated fat and cholesterol restriction or use of hydroxymethylgluteryl-CoA-reductase inhibitors. The hypocholesterolemic effect of plant sterol/stanol esters is thought to be mediated primarily by decreasing intestinal cholesterol absorption. Few adverse effects have been reported for short- and long-term use of sterol/stanol ester-containing foods. However, declines in plasma carotenoids and tocopherol levels have been reported. The clinical significance of this observation is unknown but needs further evaluation. Plant sterol/stanol ester-containing foods can be used to augment a low-saturated-fat and low-cholesterol diet; however, patients should be cautioned that use beyond the manufacturer-recommended levels will not result in greater LDL-cholesterol lowering. If a patient decides to use plant sterol/stanol ester-containing foods, they should be substituted, not added, to the diet to avoid increasing caloric intake. Additionally, there is no evidence that use of sterol/stanol ester-containing foods in normocholesterolemic individuals will prevent the onset of elevated cholesterol levels.
Detection of West Nile virus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded human tissues by RT-PCR: A useful adjunct to conventional tissue-based diagnostic methods

Background: West Nile virus (WNV), a member of genus Flavivirus, causes febrile illness, encephalitis, meningitis, myelitis, and occasional deaths in humans. Although several reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays have been developed for detection of WNV in serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and fresh tissues, the usefulness of WNV RT-PCR assays for RNA extracted from formalin-fixed human tissues has not previously been demonstrated. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of a RT-PCR technique for the detection of WNV in routinely processed, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) human tissues, and to compare it with conventional serology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Study design: We performed two WNV-specific nested RT-PCR assays targeting the viral capsid, premembrane, and envelope genes in FFPE central nervous system tissue samples from 27 patients with fatal WNV encephalitis, as confirmed by serology or IHC, and compared the results. The presence of WNV in RT-PCR-positive samples was confirmed by amplicon sequencing. Results: Twenty (74%) patients were WNV RT-PCR positive while 24 (89%) were seropositive. WNV IHC staining of neurons and neuronal processes was positive in fourteen (52%) patients. The concordance between IHC and serology was 41% (11/27) and between RT-PCR and serology was 63% (17/27). All 11 seropositive/IHC-positive patients and 6 (46%) of 13 seropositive/IHC-negative patients were RT-PCR positive while all 3 seronegatives were positive by both IHC and RT-PCR. Conclusions: In this study, RT-PCR was significantly more sensitive than IHC in detecting WNV infections and provided specific sequence information about the infecting virus. RT-PCR on FFPE tissues may be a particularly useful diagnostic tool in patients who die relatively soon after disease onset and for whom serology may be negative. Combined use of serology, IHC, and RT-PCR would be expected to have the best overall sensitivity and improve detection of fatal WNV infection.
Quininium (S)‐2‐chloro‐n‐butyrate

The title compound, C20H25N2O2+·C4H6ClO2−, was crystallized by evaporation of an acetone solution and this is the first published report describing the structure of a crystal phase for this salt. Quinine is commonly used as a resolving agent for classic resolution. The anion was of inter­est because it has several desirable properties for absolute configuration studies, viz. strong acidic pKa for salt formation, a somewhat heavy atom for strong diffraction and a known stereocenter.
Ammonia adsorption on Keggin-type heteropolyacid catalysts explored by density functional quantum chemistry calculations

Density functional quantum chemical calculations have been used to compare the acid strengths of phosphotungstic and phosphomolybdic acids by computing the adsorption energy of ammonia on model clusters of each heteropolyacid. The adsorption of ammonia on a phosphotungstic acid cluster was stronger than the adsorption on a phosphomolybdic acid cluster. The predicted adsorption energies were near −150 and −106 kJ mol-1 for phosphotungstic and phosphomolybdic acid, respectively. This compares well with the experimental heats of ammonia sorption determined from microcalorimetry. An analysis of different adsorption modes of ammonia on phosphotungstic acid showed that bidentate adsorption of ammonia on the heteropolyacid clusters aided in proton transfer and yielded stronger adsorption energies than did a monodentate adsorption mode. In addition, we report the computed adsorption energies of pyridine on a heteropolyacid cluster.
Studies on the measurement of tissue levels of administered quinacrine and lodoquinacrine

The uptake of administered quinacrine was studied in normal tissues and in Walker. 256 carcinosarcoma tumors implanted in livers and stomachs of rats. Tissue concentrations were measured by a fluorometric technique. The concentration of quinacrine in tumors as compared to that in the liver (T/L ratios) or in the stomach (T/S ratios) was directly related to the size of the tumor. These ratios averaged > 3 in animals with the smallest tumors and < 1 in animals with large tumors. Additional studies comparing uptake of quinacrine and iodoquinacrine suggested that peak T/L ratios occurred at 1 to 3 days with the former compound, with an earlier peak occurring at 1 day with the latter chemical. It is speculated that cancer diagnostic techniques could be developed using tissue measurements, histochemistry, or radioactive scanning of these compounds.
When Do Rewards Have Enhancement Effects? An Availability Valence Approach

It is commonly argued that although rewards induce behaviors, they undermine attitudes and motivation for subsequent action. This perspective has been applied in a consumer setting to suggest that sales promotions such as coupons will undermine consumer brand evaluations and brand loyalty. Instead of focusing on the undermining effects of promotional rewards, this research applies the availability valence hypothesis (Tybout, Sternthal, & Calder, 1983) to predict and explain when rewards will enhance recipient response. Two experiments demonstrate that an immediate reward from a product-related source enhances product evaluations by making favorable information more accessible than unfavorable information. Promotions enhance the relative accessibility of favorable information when their benefits are directly experienced and the salience of the promotion's task-contingency is diminished by maximizing consumer behavioral freedom.
BLOCK GRANTS AND URBAN POLICIES: IMPLETATION AND IMPACT

In the 1970's, the federal government has made greater use of block grants to encourage subnational units to pursue national goals. Using two jurisdictions—St. Louis City and St. Louis County—and two block grant programs—Community Development and Comprehensive Employment and Training—as case studies, this essay describes how differences in local polities affects policy implementation and policy impact. The tentative conclusion is that maintaining local autonomy and achieving national goals are far from mutually compatible.
The Need for a More Comprehensive Formulation of Theory of Learning a Second Language

THE Investigation' of the Teaching of a Second Language was undertaken to study new language programs not so much with the aim of finding out which programs are better and which are worse but rather to gain a more adequate understanding of language learning and of ways of increasing its effectiveness. After the completion of the Modern Foreign Language Inquiry and the publication of the Coleman Report, a comparative lull in experiments and innovations in language teaching was broken by the development of new programs for the Armed Forces and of new materials and methods for teaching English to foreigners. New experiences and experiments in teaching a second language would, we thought, provide data to extend our knowledge of this important field. The testing of new hypotheses by actual experience should provide additional principles to guide our work as language teachers and to give us a more adequate conception of the whole field of language learning. However, for experiments, experience, or any empirical data to contribute much to an understanding of a complex phenomenon like the learning of a second language, they need to be related to a fairly comprehensive formulation of theory. Experience is chaotic except as it is interpreted by basic concepts and hypotheses that relate the various aspects of experience and give meaning to what would otherwise be isolated events. For experiments to be intelligently planned so as to increase our knowledge of a field, they must be guided by hypotheses and provide empirical data that can be comparedwith conditions and results expected if the hypotheses are valid. In this way hypotheses can be tested, and accepted or revised, thus extending the basis for valid generalizations in this field. These basic concepts, these generalizations and hypotheses by which the phenomena of a field are described and explained constitute the theoretical structure of the field. For a new program or a new method to be significant in the light it casts upon the field, it needs to be related to this comprehensive theory, so as to indicate the respects in which the innovation is in harmony with or in opposition to, aspects of the theory or modifies the terms in which the theory is formulated.
Language Processing Deficits in Sickle Cell Disease in Young School-Age Children

Verbal IQ deficits are frequently reported for school-age children with sickle cell disease (SCD), yet the profile of language abilities in SCD is unclear. We examined semantic, syntactic, and phonological processing in five-to-seven-year-olds at high neurologic risk based on SCD subtype (N = 33), at low neurologic risk with SCD (N = 21), and without SCD (N = 54). Low-risk SCD did not show language processing deficits. High-risk SCD showed deficits in all three language domains. Language processing deficits in SCD at the start of middle childhood are related to neurologic risks and include language skills beyond vocabulary.
Polymorphism in Ordered Carbon Tetrabromide

Abstract The ordered form of CBr4 has been found to crystallize in two space groups (C2/m and C2/c) with nearly identical unit cell parameters. These two forms can be distinguished from each other using single-crystal x-ray diffraction methods, but not on the basis of powder measurements.
Speed, Stealth, and Selective Attack: How Small Firms Differ From Large Firms in Competitive Behavior

This study examined how small firms differ in their competitive behaviors from their large rivals in an industry and explored the implications of differences for performance. Data on competitive mo...
Major decrements in glycated hemoglobin levels between 1978 and 1989 in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial has shown that intensive treatment can deter the development and progression of diabetic complications. Integral to intensive treatment is improved glycemic control. To describe the trend in glycemic control for subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, we examined the medical records of 662 subjects seen between 1978 and 1989 at the Model Demonstration Unit of the Diabetes Research and Training Center (Washington University School of Medicine). Mean value of glycated hemoglobin showed steady decline from a peak of 11.5% in 1979 to 9.0% in 1989. This decline was observed both in subjects evaluated only once (annual rate of decline estimated from linear regression, − 0.17 ± 0.03; p = 0.0001) and in subjects evaluated more than once (annual rate of decline estimated from growth curves, −0.18 ± 0.06; p = 0.0001). These results suggest that substantial lowering of glycated hemoglobin has occurred during the last decade. This reduction should result in a lowered risk of diabetic complications.
Threat of Shock, State Anxiety, and the Holtzman Inkblot Technique

Summary To study the relationship of selected Holtzman Inkblot Technique (HIT) scores and anxiety, Ss were matched on the basis of A-Trait scores on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). The HIT was administered to Ss under neutral and threat of shock conditions. State anxiety was monitored by means of the A-State scale of the STAI. None of the HIT variables reflected changes in A-State due to the experimental conditions. HIT anxiety correlated significantly with STAI A-Trait. Results are discussed in terms of Trait-State Anxiety theory and previous research.
Imaging terror: logos, pathos and ethos

As verb, code and historical method, terrorism has consistently been understood as an act of symbolically intimidating and, if deemed necessary, violently eradicating a personal, political, social, ethnic, religious, ideological or otherwise radically differentiated foe. Yet, as noun, message and catch-all political signifier, the meaning of terrorism has proven more elusive. After the Cold War terror mutated from a logic of deterrence based on a nuclear balance of terror into a new imbalance of terror based on a mimetic fear and an asymmetrical willingness and capacity to destroy the other without the formalities of war. This imbalance is furthered by the multiple media, which transmit powerful images as well as triggering pathological responses to the terrorist event. Thanks to the immediacy of television, the internet and other networked information technology, we see terrorism everywhere in real time, all the time. In turn, terrorism has taken on an iconic, fetishised and, most significantly, highly o...