cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Role of stromal-cell derived factor-1 in the development of autoimmune diseases in non-obese diabetic mice.

SUMMARY The chemokine stromal-cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) controls maturation, trafficking, and homing of certain subsets, lymphoid cells including immunogenic B and T cells, as a ligand of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Sjogren's syndrome (SS), both highly regulated autoimmune diseases, develop spontaneously in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. To investigate the role of SDF-1 in the development of autoimmune diseases, we injected groups of NOD female mice with antibodies to SDF-1 (anti-SDF-1), which resulted in a 30% reduction of diabetes up to 30 weeks of age, delayed average diabetes onset by 10 weeks, and suppressed insulitis. Autoimmune sialoadenitis was evident in anti-SDF-1-injected mice (SDF-1-Ig group) at the same level as in all groups of mice, whether injected with non-specific antibodies or not. In addition, in the SDF-1-Ig group, a greater number of immunoglobulin M (IgM) x IgD x B220 low CD38 + CD43 + CD23 x progenitor B cells and IgM + IgD + B220 high CD43 x CD38 + CD24 + CD23 + mature B cells remained in the bone marrow, whereas infiltration of mature IgM + B cells was less extensive in peripheral tissues. Our results suggested that anti-SDF-1 antibodies injection was effective in inhibiting diabetes and insulitis without affecting autoimmune sialoadenitis or SS in NOD mice. SDF-1 may be an essential chemokine for trafficking and migration of autoreactive B cells in the development of diabetes.
Neural Control of Firefly Luminescence

Publisher Summary The flash of the adult firefly is a brilliant burst of light produced by the coordinated participation of hundreds of units is an outstanding example of an insectan effector response. Because it is so easily observed it provides an excellent tool for the analysis of neural function in an insect. Study of the mechanism of flash control over the last 20 years has revealed a neuroeffector system which contains a number of unique features. The adult firefly is also capable of producing a wide range of qualitatively different light responses. These include glows of varying intensity and duration, and scintillation, which is therapid, uncoordinated flashing of hundreds of individual elements. This chapter focuses on the physiological basis of three related aspects of the general problem of neural control. It describes the chain of neural events which begin in the brain and culminate in the light response. This represents the basic machinery of neural control of luminescence. Only those aspects of lantern morphology, luminescence biochemistry and development which contribute directly to an understanding of neural control mechanisms have been included. The chapter also discusses the anatomy of the firefly lantern, biochemistry of the light reaction, pharmacology of the lantern, and the neuroeffector response unit and its control.
Underwater source localization with a generalized likelihood ratio processor

The author describe a new matched-field acoustic source localization technique using reduced-rank signal processing. The problem is posed as a simultaneous detection and parameter estimation in which unknown, deterministic noise will act to obscure the source. They derive a reduced-rank likelihood ratio array processor and demonstrate its ability to detect and localize the signal of interest. The key advantage of this reduced-rank processor is its ability to remove the interference present while retaining the pertinent information necessary for detection and localization. This is accomplished using singular value decompositions of data matrices. >
Purification, Kinetic Properties, and cDNA Cloning of Mammalian Betaine-Homocysteine Methyltransferase

Porcine liver betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT; EC) was purified to homogeneity, and the Michaelis constants for betaine, dimethylacetothetin, and L-homocysteine are 23, 155, and 32 microM, respectively. The maximum rate of catalysis is 47-fold greater using dimethylacetothetin as a methyl donor compared with betaine. Partial amino acid sequence of porcine BHMT was obtained, and inosine-containing redundant oligonucleotide primers were used to amplify an 815-base pair sequence of the porcine cDNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Nondegenerate oligonucleotide primers based on the porcine cDNA were synthesized and used to isolate a 463-base pair fragment of the human cDNA by PCR. The human PCR DNA product was then used to screen a cDNA library by plaque hybridization, and cDNAs encoding human BHMT were isolated. The primary structure of the human cDNA is reported here, and the open reading frame encodes a 406-residue protein of Mr 44,969. The deduced amino acid sequence of human BHMT shows limited homology to bacterial vitamin B12-dependent methionine synthases (EC). A plasmid containing the human BHMT cDNA fused in frame to the N terminus of beta-galactosidase was transformed into Escherichia coli, and transformants expressed BHMT activity, an activity that is absent from wild type E. coli.
Molecular electrostatic potential dependent selectivity of hydrogen bonding

A series of co-crystallizations between four biimidazole based compounds (1,1′-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole A1, 1,1′-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole A2, 1,1′-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-2,2′-biimidazole A3 and 1,1′-dibenzyl-2,2′-biimidazole A4) and nine symmetric aliphatic di-acids were carried out in order to determine if a ranking based on calculated molecular electrostatic potential surfaces (MEPS) can be used to effectively assign selectivity in hydrogen-bond based intermolecular interactions. Acceptors A1–A3 are asymmetric ditopic acceptors where two types of nitrogen atoms (pyridine and imidazole) are present, while A4 is a control molecule with only one type of acceptor to rule out any influence of steric factors in the observed structures. 28 of 36 experiments (78% yield) produced a co-crystal, as indicated by relevant changes in the corresponding infrared spectra. Twelve crystal structures of co-crystals of A1–A3 were obtained and every single one displayed primary OH⋯N hydrogens bonds that could be rationalized using the ranking based upon electrostatic potential maps. One crystal structure of A4 was obtained the result of which indicate that the patterns of behaviour established in this family of compounds is not a result of sterics or crystal packing; a simple electrostatic view of hydrogen-bond strength provides a reliable tool for predicting the most likely interactions in a competitive system.
Prevalence and predictors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in older premenopausal women. The Harvard Study of Moods and Cycles

Background: Consistent data on the prevalence and predictors of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in the general population are lacking. Methods: Premenstrual symptoms of 4164 women (aged 36-44 years) were retrospectively assessed by the Moos Premenstrual Inventory. From this original sample, 976 subjects were further interviewed at which time demographic and lifestyle characteristics, gynecologic history, and medical conditions were examined. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders (SCID) was used to assess past and current psychiatric morbidity. Additionally, 513 of these women completed a prospective evaluation of premenstrual symptoms by using the Daily Rating of Severity of Problems Form (DRSP). Results: The diagnosis of PMDD was confirmed in 33 of 513 women (6.4%) who completed the prospective evaluation with daily records. Fourteen subjects (2.7%) met criteria for PMDD without a previous history of depression. PMDD was associated with lower education (odds ratio (OR) 5 2.3, confidence interval (CI) 5 1.1- 4.9), a history of major depression (OR 5 3.6, CI 5 1.7-7.4), and current cigarette smoking (OR 5 4.1, CI 5 1.5-11.1). In addition, women not working outside the home were significantly less likely to meet criteria for PMDD (OR 5 0.2, CI 5 0.1-0.9). Limitations: Only 513 of 976 women agreed to have their symptoms documented prospectively. Symptoms were assessed over the course of one menstrual cycle. Conclusions: This study indicates a significant prevalence of PMDD in a large community-based sample. Given the associated impairment in social and occupational functioning seen in PMDD, these prevalence data provide a strong rationale for enhanced recognition and treatment of the disorder.  2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Endovascular repair of a spontaneous carotid artery dissection with carotid stent and coils

Dissection of the internal carotid artery is an under-recognized cause of transient ischemic attack and cerebral vascular accident. Spontaneous dissections, in which no precipitating cause can be identified, occur infrequently. Endovascular intervention is an evolving treatment option in patients in whom anticoagulation therapy alone is not adequate, who are not suitable candidates for major surgery, or who have extremely distal dissections that are difficult to access. We report a case of successful endovascular stenting and coil application in a patient with spontaneous dissection of the distal cervical internal carotid artery with extension to its petrous portion and an accompanying pseudoaneurysm at the level of the skull base.
On Vertex-Disjoint Complete Bipartite Subgraphs in a Bipartite Graph

We show that, if G=(X,Y;E) is a bipartite graph with |X|=|Y|=4s and δ(G)≥4s−3 for any integer s≥2, then G contains four vertex-disjoint copies of Ks,s. This constitutes a partial answer to a conjecture in [4].
Chemokine receptors in HIV-1 infection of the central nervous system☆

Several members of the chemokine receptor are used as coreceptors for HIV-1 infection in the central nervous system (CNS). CCR5 and CCR3 are coreceptors together with CD4 for HIV-1 infection of microglia, the major target for HIV-1 infection in the CNS. Microglia express CXCR4, but their infection by HIV-1 viruses that use only CXCR4 as a coreceptor is relatively inefficient. CXCR4 is also expressed in subpopulations of neurons that are resistant to HIV-1 infection. Additional orphan chemokine receptors that can mediate HIV-1 or SIV entry are expressed in the brain or neurally-derived cell lines, but their role in CNS infection has not been defined. The pattern of chemokine receptor expression in the brain is likely to determine the tropism of HIV-1 for particular CNS target cells and to impact inflammatory and degenerative mechanisms associated with CNS infection.
DNA Recognition by F Factor TraI36: Highly Sequence-Specific Binding of Single-Stranded DNA†

The TraI protein has two essential roles in transfer of conjugative plasmid F Factor. As part of a complex of DNA-binding proteins, TraI introduces a site- and strand-specific nick at the plasmid origin of transfer (oriT), cutting the DNA strand that is transferred to the recipient cell. TraI also acts as a helicase, presumably unwinding the plasmid strands prior to transfer. As an essential feature of its nicking activity, TraI is capable of binding and cleaving single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides containing an oriT sequence. The specificity of TraI DNA recognition was examined by measuring the binding of oriT oligonucleotide variants to TraI36, a 36-kD amino-terminal domain of TraI that retains the sequence-specific nucleolytic activity. TraI36 recognition is highly sequence-specific for an 11-base region of oriT, with single base changes reducing affinity by as much as 8000-fold. The binding data correlate with plasmid mobilization efficiencies: plasmids containing sequences bound with lower affiniti...
Angels: personal investors in the venture capital market

The role of private investors in the equity financing of new technology-based ventures is examined. The research studies the venture capital market from a demand and supply perspective and delineates the role of the private investor with that of the more visible venture capital funds. The entrepreneur's perceptions of raising venture capital are also examined. The research suggests that the private investor is the most common source of seed and start-up financing, especially if the round of financing is less than US$500 000. While private investors are harder to find than their venture capital fund counterparts, it appears to take less time to close a deal with private investors and the financing is less expensive than financing from venture capital funds. Both private investors and venture capital funds add value to their investments through the establishment of working relationships with the ventures they finance, and entrepreneurs perceive these working relationships to be a productive component of the...
Some recent innovations in small specimen testing

Abstract New innovative small specimen test techniques are described. Finite element simulations show that combinations of cone indentation pile-up geometry and load–penetration depth relations can be used to determine both the yield stress and strain-hardening behavior of a material. Techniques for pre-cracking and testing sub-miniaturized fracture toughness bend bars, with dimensions of 1.65×1.65×9 mm3, or less, are described. The corresponding toughness–temperature curves have a very steep transition slope, primarily due to rapid loss of constraint, which has advantages in some experiments to characterize the effects of specified irradiation variables. As one example of using composite specimens, an approach to evaluating helium effects is proposed, involving diffusion bonding small wires of a 54Fe-based ferritic–martensitic alloy to a surrounding fracture specimen composed of an elemental Fe-based alloy. Finally, we briefly outline some potential approaches to multipurpose specimens and test automation.
Altered expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF receptor genes after unilateral nephrectomy in immature rats.

There is a developmental difference in the initial phase of compensatory renal growth (CRG) following unilateral nephrectomy (UNX), in that CRG is GH-dependent in adult rats and GH-independent in immature rats. Furthermore, CRG in immature rats is associated with an increase in renal IGF-I mRNA, an effect not seen in adult rats. In this study we have examined the age-related differences in expression of the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF-II genes as well as in IGF-I and IGF-II receptors and membrane binding after UNX. Immature (22-24 days of age) and adult (4 months of age) male Wistar rats underwent a sham operation or left UNX and were killed 24 or 48 h later. Levels of mRNA for IGF-I and IGF-II and their receptors were determined in the left (control) and right (compensated) remnant kidneys using solution hybridization/RNase protection assays. Steady state levels of IGF-I mRNA as well as IGF-I receptor and IGF-II/mannose-6-phosphate receptor mRNAs were increased 3- to 4-fold in immature r...
Some DCs Are “B”etter

In this issue of Immunity , Ma et al. (2013) demonstrate that neoplastic cell release of ATP drives recruitment and differentiation of CD11b + dendritic cells within tumors, where their ability to locally present antigen improves response to anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Microcomputer training for the government of Kenya: The case of the Kenya institute of administration

Abstract Enduser computing is rapidly growing in the Kenya Government due to the large number of microcomputers provided by donor organizations. In 1986, the Kenya Institute of Administration (KIA) established a microcomputer training program for government officers and secretaries to develop skills in wordprocessing, spreadsheets, database management, and statistics. This article analyzes prospects for institutionalizing KIA's microcomputer training program by reviewing its initial evolution, present status, and future directions. The article concludes that intensive residential training geared to enduser computing can greatly facilitate access to this technology by government staff and improve government productivity.
Constructing women as authorities: Local journalism and the microphysics of power

This study extends Tuchman's concept of “symbolic annihilation” by applying recent power/knowledge research to the issue of gender inequality in news work. In political and feminist theory, power recently has been conceptualized as inseparable from the production of knowledge, involved in the production of the very meaning of scarcity and the meaning or necessity of conflict. This study integrates the power/knowledge perspective into the ideological conception of news work and uses this integrated position to illustrate how women are constructed or deconstructed as legitimate authorities in local news reporting—in this case, a routine story about child care.
The Effect of Illumination and Time of Day on Movements of Bobcats (Lynx rufus)

Understanding behavioral changes of prey and predators based on lunar illumination provides insight into important life history, behavioral ecology, and survival information. The objectives of this research were to determine if bobcat movement rates differed by period of day (dark, moon, crepuscular, day), lunar illumination ( 90%), and moon phase (new, full). Bobcats had high movement rates during crepuscular and day periods and low movement rates during dark periods with highest nighttime rates at 10-<50% lunar illumination. Bobcats had highest movement rates during daytime when nighttime illumination was low (new moon) and higher movement rates during nighttime when lunar illumination was high (full moon). The behaviors we observed are consistent with prey availability being affected by light level and by limited vision by bobcats during darkness.
Detection Statistics in Geiger-Mode Avalanche Photodiode Quad-Cell Arrays With Crosstalk and Dead Time

The detection statistics of Geiger-mode photodetector subarrays with a combination of reset-time blocking loss and optical crosstalk are investigated. Closed-form expressions are obtained for the means and covariances of the numbers of counts in $2 \times 2$ subarrays (quad cells) used in Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensors. The predicted wavefront sensing precision is compared with that obtained with a charge-coupled device-based wavefront sensor with readout noise. The results of the theory are also used to predict photon transfer curves for the Geiger-mode device and these are compared with experiment.
Reliability and validity of the work assessment scale for persons with multiple sclerosis

Reliability and validity of the Work Assessment Scale (WAS) was done on a sample of 551 subjects with multiple sclerosis. Work was defined as those activities performed in employment, homemaking and/or personal care. The WAS has two parts consisting of: Work-Impeding (WAS-I) and Work Enhancing (WAS-E) situations and conditions. Varimax rotated factor analysis of the WAS-I resulted in a seven-factor solution containing 33 of the 53 scale items. Theta reliability coefficients for the factors ranged between .73 and .90 and test-retest correlation coefficients (n = 51) ranged between .76 and .91. Varimax rotated factor analysis of the WAS-E resulted in a five-factor solution containing 19 of the 27 scale items. Theta reliability coefficients for the factors ranged between .66 and .81 and test-retest correlation coefficients ranged between .68 and .82. Concurrent validity was shown between WAS and both ADL and Symptom subscales.
Carbon Sequestration and Its Role in the Global Carbon Cycle

[1] The science of climate change, and the role carbon dioxide (CO2) plays in it, was launched into the public consciousness by Charles David Keeling's investigations in the late 1950s. Keeling conducted early atmospheric carbon measurements high on Hawaii's Mauna Loa volcano and found that even after ruling out natural fluctuations, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere was increasing year after year. The findings, published in the 1960s, led to the now iconic Keeling curve and raised several questions about the contribution of fossil fuel burning to atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The AGU monograph Carbon Sequestration and Its Role in the Global Carbon Cycle, edited by Brian J. McPherson and Eric T. Sundquist, moves beyond the “how much?” and “where is it coming from?” of atmospheric CO2 and provides an interdisciplinary look at what we can do to address imbalances in the carbon cycle. In this interview, Eos talks with McPherson.
Aqueous-phase ion solvation and the selectivity of anion exchange resins for monovalent ions

This research examines and quantifies the influence of ion solvation parameters on the affinity of monovalent anions for strong-base anion resins. A data set comprising resin selectivity coefficients and solvation parameters from the literature is statistically analyzed using correlation and multiple regression techniques. The affinity of monovalent anions for the resin phase correlated well to ionic radii. Solvation parameters such as the hydration number, and entropy, enthalpy and free energy of hydration are also strongly correlated to selectivity. Using the stepwise regression procedure on subsets of independent variables, the entropy of hydration, which characterizes the structure-influencing nature of ions in solution, is incorporated as the sole parameter in the predictive model for resin selectivity. The data are best correlated by the exponential form of the regression equation, and the physical meaning of the correlation is shown to be reasonable. A simple rule for categorizing ions as structure-makers and structure-breakers is proposed, and the results are consistent with conventional classifications.
Toward an Analysis of Household Information Consumption as a Dimension of the Emerging Information Infrastructure

This article suggests the importance of studying households as a focus for understanding the consequences of the new information infrastructure. Households represent not only private space but also information environments in which an increasing range of activities is conducted. The variety of experiences in American households cautions against simple generalizations. As households reflect ongoing demographic shifts, the uses of information technologies in households also will change. Social cleavages due to status and working conditions will influence the uses of media and information technologies. The article also proposes a function-based approach to studying media in households.
Mary, the Unwelcome (?) Guest in Catholic/Pentecostal Dialogue

Catholic Marian doctrines and practices have been a major stumbling block for Catholic/Pentecostal dialogue. In this article I utilize a pneumatological perspective to suggest that Mariology exemplifies the intersection between a Catholic theology of grace (including spirituality) and ecclesiology (embracing Vatican II's articulation of Mariology). I build on the notion that the outpouring of the Holy Spirit alerts the Pentecostal/Charismatic believer to: 1) the church's existence in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, 2) the reception of the grace, gifts and charisms of the Holy Spirit, 3) the fraternal/sororal recognition of “anointed ones” in the midst of the Pentecostal assembly, and 4) the doxological response in which praise and veneration are appropriate in an eschatologically oriented church. In doing so I correlate each of these points with aspects of Catholic Marian doctrine and praxis and seek to elicit a Pentecostal response.
Multilayer optics for plasma physics and synchrotron radiation

The development of multilayer optics over the past 25 years has led to unique new instrumentation for plasma diagnostics, astronomy, and synchrotron radiation research. Accurate calibration and measurement techniques for the x-ray and extreme UV regions are required for this developemnt, and for the proper interpretation of the results acquired by the instrumentation. The developement of calibration and metrology techniques based on present- day plasma and synchrotron radiation sources is leading to a better understanding of multilayer performance and their limitations.
SU-E-T-287: Robustness Study of Passive-Scattering Proton Therapy in Lung: Is Range and Setup Uncertainty Calculation On the Initial CT Enough to Predict the Plan Robustness?

Purpose: Plan robustness of the passive-scattering proton therapy treatment of lung tumors has been studied previously using combined uncertainties of 3.5% in CT number and 3 mm geometric shifts. In this study, we investigate whether this method is sufficient to predict proton plan robustness by comparing to plans performed on weekly verification CT scans. Methods: Ten lung cancer patients treated with passive-scattering proton therapy were randomly selected. All plans were prescribed 6660cGy in 37 fractions. Each initial plan was calculated using +/− 3.5% range and +/− 0.3cm setup uncertainty in x, y and z directions in Eclipse TPS(Method-A). Throughout the treatment course, patients received weekly verification CT scans to assess the daily treatment variation(Method-B). After contours and imaging registrations are verified by the physician, the initial plan with the same beamline and compensator was mapped into the verification CT. Dose volume histograms (DVH) were evaluated for robustness study. Results: Differences are observed between method A and B in terms of iCTV coverage and lung dose. Method-A shows all the iCTV D95 are within +/− 1% difference, while 20% of cases fall outside +/−1% range in Method-B. In the worst case scenario(WCS), the iCTV D95 is reduced by 2.5%. All lung V5 and V20 are within +/−5% in Method-A while 15% of V5 and 10% of V20 fall outside of +/−5% in Method-B. In the WCS, Lung V5 increased by 15% and V20 increased by 9%. Method A and B show good agreement with regard to cord maximum and Esophagus mean dose. Conclusion: This study suggests that using range and setup uncertainty calculation (+/−3.5% and +/−3mm) may not be sufficient to predict the WCS. In the absence of regular verification scans, expanding the conventional uncertainty parameters(e.g., to +/−3.5% and +/−4mm) may be needed to better reflect plan actual robustness.
Laminar heat transfer in tube with nonlinear radiant heat-flux boundary condition

Abstract The problem of radiant cooling of a fluid in laminar flow through a tube was described by a nonlinear integral equation, and an approximate solution obtained in terms of the Liouville-Neumann series. Results were also obtained by an exact iterative numerical solution. Local Nusselt numbers are presented as a function of dimensionless distance, x = Z / Re Pr R , and a dimensionless parameter, α = ϵσT 3 0 / k . An empirical equation, Nu ( α , x ) = (0·928 − 0·023 In α ) Nu q ( x ) where Nu q = Nusselt number for the constant heat flux case, was found to give results accurate to within ± 2 per cent for the ranges of variables of interest.
Are proton pump inhibitors associated with the development of community-acquired pneumonia? A meta-analysis

This study was presented at the American College of Chest Physicians meeting in Pittsburgh (PA, USA) in October 2011. The study objective was to evaluate the association of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). The design was a meta-analysis of nine case-controlled and cohort studies. 120,863 pneumonia cases from 1987 to 2006 were included in the meta-analysis. PubMed and Ovid Medline were searched from inception through May 2011 by two investigators independently using keywords: PPI, pneumonia, CAP, anti-ulcer, antacid, omeprazole, esomeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole and rabeprazole. This meta-analysis only included case-controlled and cohort studies that were published in full in English and evaluated PPI use and CAP incidence. Studies were excluded if they included the following patients: pediatric, Helicobacter pylori treatment and critically ill. Bibliographies of recent review articles and systematic reviews were hand-searched. Quality of studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Two investigators independently extracted data into standardized data collection forms that were confirmed by a third investigator. Data were analyzed based on current use of PPIs, duration of PPI use ( 180 days) and PPI dose (high vs low). Overall association of PPI and CAP was analyzed using the random effects model (Comprehensive Meta analysis(®) Version 2.0). Nine studies met all criteria for the primary outcome. Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale scores ranged from 4 to 8 out of 9. Current use of PPIs (odds ratio [OR]: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.09-1.76), PPI use 180 days (OR: 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00-1.21). In conclusion, patients currently receiving PPIs, particularly <30 days or high dose, showed an association with CAP. Practitioners need to be vigilant about adverse effects of PPIs and consider alternative therapies.
Factors affecting simulated jurors' decisions in capital cases

Abstract Previous psycho-legal research has claimed that the process of selecting death-qualified jurors for capital cases creates conviction-prone juries. The studies on which these claims are based have employed simulation methodologies to examine the relationship between subjects' death-penalty attitudes and verdict decisions, as well as the effect of the death-qualifying voir dire itself. Despite admitted weaknesses of simulations in general, this method was employed in the present research so that conceptual comparisons to past findings could be drawn. Two experiments were designed to examine the issue of death-qualification and biased juries in a context of other potentially highly influential factors, namely, the strength of evidence and the degree of heinousness. Our results failed to find any of the relationships between death-penalty attitudes and verdict decisions that would be predicted from past research. Instead, the subjects' decisions were influenced, virtually exclusively, by the strength...
Narrative discourse and classroom learning: An essay response to Egan's “narrative and learning: A voyage of implications”

Abstract Kieron Egan (1993), in his article “Narrative and Learning: A Voyage of Implications” (this issue), stresses the importance of story for children's learning and hence for teacher's construction of developmentally appropriate curricula. Egan suggested that the binary structure of story narratives mokes this discourse genre an ideal symbolic means for the transmission of knowledge in primary school classrooms. In my essay response to Egan, I support his thesis that narrative can, and does, play an extremely important part in young children's classroom learning. At the same time, I suggest that narrative discourse be viewed more broadly as a family of discourses rather than as one particular genre. Extending my arguments, I suggest that narrative discourses be viewed as intimately connected to the social activity structures in which they arise. I then propose a series of three research questions that might be appropriate ways of exploring narrative discourses as symbolic resources in the classroom. Finally, I suggest that narrative discourses have a dual function in educational research. They are both a symbolic means through which children construct knowledge and a research tool for investigating children's construction of knowledge.
Mapping the Substrate Binding Site of the Prostaglandin Transporter PGT by Cysteine Scanning Mutagenesis

We have identified a cDNA, PGT, that encodes a widely expressed transporter for prostaglandin (PG) E(2), PGF(2alpha), PGD(2), 8-iso-PGF(2alpha), and thromboxane B(2). To begin to understand the molecular mechanisms of transporter function, we have initiated a structure-function analysis of PGT to identify its substrate-binding region. We have found that by introducing the small, water-soluble, thiol-reactive anion Na(2-sulfonatoethyl)methanethiosulfonate (MTSES) into the substrate pathway, we were able to cause inhibition of transport that could be reversed with dithiothreitol. Importantly, co-incubation with PGE(2) protected PGT from this inhibition, suggesting that MTSES gains access to the aqueous pore pathway of PGT to form a mixed disulfide near the substrate-binding site. To identify the susceptible cysteine, we mutated, one at a time, all six of the putative transmembrane cysteines to serine. Only the mutation of Cys-530 to serine within putative transmembrane 10 became resistant to inhibition by MTSES. Thus, Cys-530 is the substrate-protectable, MTSES-inhibitable residue. To identify other residues that may be lining the substrate-binding site, we initiated cysteine-scanning mutagenesis of transmembrane 10 using Cys-530 as an entry point. On a C530S, MTSES-resistant background, residues in the N- and C-terminal directions were individually mutated to cysteine (Ala-513 to His-536), one at a time, and then analyzed for MTSES inhibition. Of the 24 cysteine-substituted mutants generated, 6 were MTSES-sensitive and, among these, 4 were substrate-protectable. The pattern of sensitivity to MTSES places these residues on the same face of an alpha-helix. The results of cysteine-scanning mutagenesis and molecular modeling of putative transmembrane 10 indicate that the substrate binding of PGT is formed among its membrane-spanning segments, with 4 residues along the cytoplasmic end of helix 10 contributing to one surface of the binding site.
Sexualized Doll Play among Young Children: Implications for the Use of Anatomical Dolls in Sexual Abuse Evaluations

Abstract The use of anatomical dolls in sexual abuse evaluations remains controversial because of concerns that the dolls induce normal, nonabused children to act out in sexual ways that are likely to be misinterpreted as evidence of sexual abuse. This study examines the incidence of explicit sexual doll play in a large, demographically diverse sample of 2− to 5-year-olds. The 6% incidence of demonstrations of apparent sexual intercourse found in this sample compared favorably with the rate of J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1990, 29, 5:736–742.
The effect of cytokine gene polymorphisms on pediatric heart allograft outcome

Abstract Background Cytokines play a major role in the inflammatory and immune responses that mediate allograft outcome. Several studies have shown that the production of cytokines varies among individuals and these variations are determined by genetic polymorphisms, most commonly within the regulatory region of the cytokine gene. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these allelic variations on acute rejection after pediatric heart transplantation. Method We performed cytokine genotyping using polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers in 93 pediatric heart transplant recipients and 29 heart donors for the following functional polymorphisms: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (-308), interleukin (IL)-10 (-1082, -819, and -592), TGF-β1 (codon 10 and 25), IL-6 (-174), and interferon-γ (INF-γ) (+874). The distribution of polymorphisms in this population did not differ from published controls. The patients were classified as either non-rejecters (0 or 1 episode) or rejecters (> 1 episode) based on the number of biopsy proven rejection episodes in the first year after transplantation. Results Forty-two of the 69 TNF-α patients (61%) in the low producer group were non-rejecters, while 9 of the 24 (37.5%) with high TNF-α were non-rejecters ( p = 0.047). In contrast, IL-10 genotype showed the opposite finding. Forty-two of the 66 patients (64%) in the high and intermediate IL-10 group were non-rejecters, while 9 of the 26 (35%) in the low IL-10 group were non-rejecters ( p = 0.011). The combination of low TNF-α with a high or intermediate IL-10 genotype was associated with the lowest risk of rejection (34/49 or 69% non-rejecters). Neither the distribution of the IL-6, INF-γ, and TGF-β1 genotype in recipients nor the donor genotype showed any association with acute rejection. Conclusion Genetic polymorphisms that have been associated with low TNF-α and high IL-10 production are associated with a lower number of acute rejection episodes after pediatric heart transplantation.
Residual and intrinsic surface resistance of YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7 − δ

A simple model is proposed which describes correctly the essential traits of the microwave surface resistance ${R}_{s}$ of ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}{\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}{\mathrm{O}}_{7\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\delta}}}$ above and below the transition temperature ${T}_{c}.$ One of the key features is an electron scattering rate, which is the sum of a temperature- ($T$-) independent term and one that obeys the Gr\"uneisen $T$ dependence, and is carried over unchanged from the normal to the superconducting state. Furthermore, the $T$ dependence of the quasiparticles is related to the empirical penetration depth, $\ensuremath{\lambda}(T).$ We find that ${R}_{s}(T)$ depends linearly on $T$ at low temperatures, which is a consequence of a predominantly constant elastic electron scattering rate and a linear $T$ dependent $[\ensuremath{\lambda}(T){]}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ in the $\mathrm{ab}$ plane as $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{T}0\mathrm{K}.$ We confirm previous experiments indicating that a maximum and a minimum of ${R}_{s}(T)$ between absolute zero and ${T}_{c}$ is the signature of a clean specimen, corresponding to a small residual resistivity. Increasing the residual resistivity suppresses the peak of ${R}_{s}(T)$ and lowers the surface resistance. The real part of the conductivity ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ of a relatively clean specimen shows a distinct peak below ${T}_{c}$ which is caused by the Gr\"uneisen $T$ dependent intrinsic resistivity, together with a gradual freezing out of the quasiparticles, and a remaining residual resistivity as $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{T}0\mathrm{K}.$ The slopes of ${R}_{s}(T)$ and of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}(T)$ are discontinuous at ${T}_{c}.$ Increasing the frequency and/or the residual resistivity decreases the peak of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ and shifts it to higher temperatures. The slope of ${R}_{s}^{2}(T)$ just above ${T}_{c}$ is linear and proportional to the Debye temperature.
Theory for the chi parameter of polymer blends: Effect of attractive interactions

Using an integral equation theory for polymer blends, we have calculated the effective chi parameter for a binary blend of Gaussian polymers interacting with identical hard core repulsive and dissimiliar attractive interactions between chain segments. Our results predict a parabolic composition dependence for χ in qualitative accordance with recent neutron scattering experiments and Monte Carlo simulations. We also find that the attractive interactions induce structural correlations which tend to significantly reduce χ and thus stabilize the miscible mixture.
Structural Properties of Non-Traditional Drug Targets Present New Challenges for Virtual Screening

Traditional drug targets have historically included signaling proteins that respond to small molecules and enzymes that use small molecules as substrates. Increasing attention is now being directed toward other types of protein targets, in particular those that exert their function by interacting with nucleic acids or other proteins rather than small-molecule ligands. Here, we systematically compare existing examples of inhibitors of protein–protein interactions to inhibitors of traditional drug targets. While both sets of inhibitors bind with similar potency, we find that the inhibitors of protein–protein interactions typically bury a smaller fraction of their surface area upon binding to their protein targets. The fact that an average atom is less buried suggests that more atoms are needed to achieve a given potency, explaining the observation that ligand efficiency is typically poor for inhibitors of protein–protein interactions. We then carried out a series of docking experiments and found a further c...
The case for teaching functional programming in discrete math

Functional programming is losing its place in undergraduate computer science curricula, in part because of the attention given to many new ideas in the field. Nevertheless, undergraduates benefit from an early experience in a second programming paradigm, especially functional programming. The solution, advocated here, is to weave functional programming into the discrete mathematics course. Not only does this give a convenient, early occasion to teach functional programming, but it also allows the functional programming topics and discrete mathematics topics to illuminate each other. Furthermore, it provides a service course to students in mathematics and other majors.
Polymer-Templated Mesoporous Organosilicas with Two Types of Multifunctional Organic Groups

This work reports the synthesis, characterization, and potential environmental applications of periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) having high surface area and large pore size as well as featuring framework and channel multifunctional groups. PMOs under study were obtained by direct co-condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and other mixed organosilanes, namely, tris[3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyl]isocyanurate (ICS), bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]tetrasulfide (4S), N-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)4,5-dihydroimidazole (IM), and ureidopropyltrimethoxysilane (UR). Presence of the aforementioned ligands generated metal-chelating sites within the PMO framework and on their pore walls as well as contributed to the structural changes observed upon introduction of mixed ligands of particular properties and chemical composition. The synthesis conditions used permitted a fine-tuning of chemical and structural properties of PMOs as potential adsorbents for mercury(II) ions.
Preliminary investigation of the frequency response and distortionproperties of nonlinear image processing algorithms

Assessment of the resolution properties of nonlinear imaging systems is a useful but challenging task. While the modulation transfer function (MTF) fully describes contrast resolution as a function of spatial frequency for linear systems, an equivalent metric does not exist for systems with significant nonlinearity. Therefore, this preliminary investigation attempts to classify and quantify the amount of scaling and distortion imposed on a given image signal as the result of a nonlinear process (nonlinear image processing algorithm). As a proof-of-concept, a median filter is assessed in terms of its principle frequency response (PFR) and distortion response (DR) functions. These metrics are derived in frequency space using a sinusoidal basis function, and it is shown that, for a narrow-band sinusoidal input signal, the scaling and distortion properties of the nonlinear filter are described exactly by PFR and DR, respectively. The use of matched sinusoidal basis and input functions accurately reveals the frequency response to long linear structures of different scale. However, when more complex (multi-band) input signals are considered, PFR and DR fail to adequately characterize the frequency response due to nonlinear interaction effects between different frequency components during processing. Overall, the results reveal the context-dependent nature of nonlinear image processing algorithm performance, and they emphasize the importance of the basis function choice in algorithm assessment. In the future, more complex forms of nonlinear systems analysis may be necessary to fully characterize the frequency response properties of nonlinear algorithms in a context-dependent manner.
Cytoplasmic expression of a reporter gene by co-delivery of T7 RNA polymerase and T7 promoter sequence with cationic liposomes

Expression of bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase in mammalian cells can efficiently drive the transcription of a foreign gene controlled by the T7 promoter (Elroy-Stein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 86, 6126-6130, 1989). We have tested the hypothesis that purified T7 RNA polymerase can be co-delivered into mammalian cells together with a reporter gene (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, CAT) controlled by the T7 promoter (pT7-EMC-CAT) using DC-chol cationic liposomes. Indeed, significant level of CAT activity was observed in human lung adenocarcinoma (A549-1) cells which had been incubated with a complex of T7 RNA polymerase, pT7-EMC-CAT DNA and DC-chol cationic liposomes. The expression was specific in that T3 RNA polymerase could not replace the T7 RNA polymerase, and that co-delivered T7 RNA polymerase did not enhance the expression of a CAT gene controlled by the SV40 early promoter. The system was optimized in terms of enzyme, DNA and liposome concentrations. Time course experiment indicated that the expression of the T7 system was about 8-10 hours sooner than the SV40 system, consistent with the notion that T7 RNA polymerase does not enter into the nucleus and the transcription takes place in the cytoplasm of the transfected cells. The expression of the T7 system was transient; it declined after 30 hours post transfection, probably due to turnover of the phage enzyme in the mammalian cells. The expression system described here should be useful for gene transfer experiments which require a fast but transient expression of a foreign gene. We have also compared our delivery system with a commercial reagent, Lipofectin, which has been used to deliver T3 or T7 RNA polymerase with a reporter plasmid encoding the T3 or T7 promoter.
Setting the Record Straight: Confucius’ Notion of Ren

Comparative studies involving early Confucian ethics often appear to assume that it is a unified approach to morality. This essay challenges that assumption by arguing that Confucius had a significantly different conception of ren, commonly viewed as central to Confucian ethics, from that of Mencius. It is generally accepted that ren has two senses: in a narrow sense, it is the virtue of benevolence (or compassion); in a broad sense, it is the all-encompassing ethical ideal. Both senses fail to capture Confucius’ conception of ren, for the narrow sense fits only Mencius’ understanding of ren, while the broad sense lacks emphasis and precision. I propose a third sense of ren, that is, ren as an integral, higher-order virtue with respect as its most salient component. This sense of ren is more in keeping with the textual evidence in the Analects. It played a key role in Confucius’ political-moral thinking and made his doctrine diverge considerably from that of Mencius, who understood ren primarily as compassion.