cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
First Amendment Contradictions and Pathologies in Discourse

A robust, principled application of the First Amendment produces contradictions that undermine the very justifications for free speech protections. Strong free speech protections are justified by the idea that rational, informed deliberation leads to peaceful decision-making, yet our marketplace of ideas is crowded with lies, reductive narratives, emotional appeals, and speech that leads to violence. Our current First Amendment model creates pathologies in discourse that are exacerbated in our modern age of easy communication. The reason for these pathologies lies in the relationship between reason and emotion, both in human psychology and in First Amendment doctrine. But the solution to these speech pathologies is not to dramatically alter First Amendment doctrine, which, despite claims that the First Amendment is ill-equipped to deal with modern problems, is needed now more than ever.
Two-Component Signal Transduction and Its Role in the Expression of Bacterial Virulence Factors

In contrast to saprophytic bacteria, pathogenic bacteria live on or within living host tissues. Pathogenic bacteria coordinate an intricate network of virulence factors, whose expression must be precisely controlled to maximize the chance of establishing a successful infection. Certain common themes have emerged from the study of the control of bacterial virulence gene expression. Shigella flexneri has adapted the OmpR-EnvZ system, initially described in Escherichia coli and also present in Salmonella spp., for its own use to regulate expression of virulence factors and the OmpF and OmpC porins. An in vivo model for bacterial arthritis has indicated that AgrA may be involved in the direct regulation of additional genes whose expression is not mediated by RNA III. Bacteria deleted for the agr locus were unable to migrate through blood to the joint cavities and could not be recovered from these locations. Unlike wild-type Staphylococcus aureus, mutant bacteria could be recovered from the spleen, and one possible explanation is that the increased expression of cell wall-associated proteins in an agr mutant renders it more easily phagocytosed or immobilized in the reticulo-endothelial system. PilA and PilB are believed to control the expression of other genes as well, because two-dimensional gels of pilA mutants showed significant differences when compared with wild-type cells.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Structural Network Analysis of c-Abl and c-Src Kinase Core Proteins: Capturing Allosteric Mechanisms and Communication Pathways from Residue Centrality

The Abl and Src tyrosine kinases play a fundamental regulatory role in orchestrating functional processes in cellular networks and represent an important class of therapeutic targets. Crystallographic studies of these kinases have revealed a similar structural organization of multidomain complexes that confers salient features of their regulatory mechanisms. Molecular characterization of the interaction networks and regulatory residues by which the SH3 and SH2 domains act cooperatively with the catalytic domain to suppress or promote kinase activation presents an active area of structural, biochemical, and computational investigations. In this work, we combine biophysical simulations with computational modeling of the residue interaction networks to characterize allosteric mechanisms of kinase regulation and gain insight into differential sensitivity of c-Abl and c-Src kinases to specific drug binding. Using these approaches, we examine dynamics of cooperative rearrangements in the residue interaction networks and elucidate the structural role of regulatory residues responsible for modulation of kinase activity. We have found that global network parameters such as residue centrality can unambiguously distinguish functional sites that are responsible for mediating allosteric interactions in the regulatory assemblies. This study has revealed mechanistic aspects of allosteric mechanisms and communication pathways by which the SH3 and SH2 domains may exert their regulatory influence on the catalytic domain and kinase activity. We have also found that high centrality residues can be linked to each other to form efficient and robust routes that transmit allosteric signals between spatially separated regulatory regions. The presented results have demonstrated that global features of the residue interaction networks may serve as transparent and robust indicators of kinase regulatory mechanisms and accurately pinpoint key functional residues.
The Activation of Zymogens

Publisher Summary The chapter presents the activation of the zymogens, trypsinogen, chymotrypsinogen, procarboxypeptidase, and pepsinogen. These have been selected because they are among the best characterized representatives of the zymogens as a group. The process of activation of these zymogens has certain common features. Thus the transformations are catalyzed by proteolytic enzymes, which operate with a high degree of specificity and selectivity, affecting the hydrolysis of a limited number of peptide bonds in the zymogen molecule. Since all activation processes considered in this chapter are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, the hydrolytic cleavage of one or more peptide bonds in the zymogen molecule is an essential feature of these reactions. The methods of activation of trypsinogen include activation by Mold Kinase , Enterokinase, and the Autocatalytic activation of trypsinogen. Chymotrypsinogen can be activated by trypsin, and also by the proteinase from Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) . The tryptic activation is of greater importance as it is the physiological mechanism, and most of the experimental work has been carried out with this system.
Gender and Modality Differences in Experiencing and Emotional Expression

This study investigated gender and modality differences in experiencing and emotional expression. The factorial design included two levels of gender, and two levels of expression modality (public and private). All 47 participants watched and responded to questions about an emotionally provocative video. Participant responses were assessed using the Experiencing Scale, and for use of emotional words. Analyses revealed a higher level of experiencing, and more use of emotional words by women than men. Additionally, experiencing judgments of private responses were significantly higher than those of public responses. Implications for facilitation of experiencing are discussed.
X-RAY IRRADIATION OF COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS ARTHROSPORES: SURVIVAL CURVES AND AVIRULENT MUTANTS ISOLATED

X ray survival curves were obtained for arthrosperes of Coccidioldes immitis, using suspensions which were showm by nuclear stains to contain uninucleate and binucleate spores in a ratio of 1: 1. The curves are sigmoid in shape and the LD/sub 50/ is approximntely 14 kiloroentgens. Two auxotrophic avirulent mutants were isolated from among the survivors of 80 to 100 kiloroentgene of irradiation. The characteristics of these mutants are described. (auth)
Physical properties of Ba 2 Mn 2 Sb 2 O single crystals

We report both experimental and theoretical investigations of the physical properties of Ba${}_{2}$Mn${}_{2}$Sb${}_{2}$O single crystals. This material exhibits a hexagonal structure with lattice constants $a=4.7029(15)$ \AA{} and $c=19.9401(27)$ \AA{}, as obtained from powder x-ray diffraction measurements, and in agreement with structural optimization through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The magnetic susceptibility and specific heat show anomalies at ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}=60$ K, consistent with antiferromagnetic ordering. However, the magnitude of ${T}_{\mathrm{N}}$ is significantly smaller than the Curie-Weiss temperature ($|{\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{CW}|\ensuremath{\approx}560$ K), suggesting a magnetic system of reduced dimensionality. The temperature dependence of both the in-plane and out-of-plane resistivity changes from activated at $Tg{T}_{\mathrm{x}}\ensuremath{\sim}200$ K to logarithmic at $Tl{T}_{\mathrm{x}}$. Correspondingly, the magnetic susceptibility displays a bump at ${T}_{\mathrm{x}}$. DFT calculations at the DFT+$U$ level support the experimental observation of an antiferromagnetic ground state.
Evaluation methods of computer memory system

Memory is a necessary part of any computing system as it is used to store data as well as programs. The amount of main memory (DRAM) has been increasing for all segments of computing devices to accommodate an ever-increasing number of applications installed and data needed for those applications. Memory used at the microarchitectural level to enhance computing system performance or to reduce system power has been increasing in capacity as well. For example, the total amount of cache capacity as well as the number of levels of cache on a microprocessor chip have been increasing in the last couple decades. As the amount of memory used in a computing system increases, it is important to evaluate design trade-offs in details. In this paper we compare a few evaluation approaches of memory system design and discuss the pros and cons of these approaches.
Heterogeneity of Rights

If there is a constitutional right to R, and a law L by its terms prohibits R, L cannot be validly applied to some person P’s exercise of R. For at least two reasons, however, most cases involving claims of constitutional right are substantially more difficult than this schematic example. First, lawmakers rarely act so brashly as to proscribe rights in so many words. Second, even facially invalid laws typically include within their sweep much unprotected activity.These two complications give rise to two familiar doctrinal questions. The first is the problem of incidental burdens. When, if ever, does the Constitution bar the application of a generally valid law because in the particular circumstances the law infringes an individual right? The second complication gives rise to the doctrinal issue of facial challenges. If P’s conduct C violates some rights-violating law L, but C is not constitutionally privileged (and therefore could be proscribed under a different, valid law), does P have a valid defense to a prosecution under L, or would that be an impermissible effort by P to raise the rights of third parties?
Distributed power flow loss minimization control for future grid

In this paper, a novel decentralized algorithm is proposed to minimize power flow loss in a large-scale future grid connecting with many real-time-distributed generation systems by which power flows bi-directionally. The DC-power loss at each link is defined as the product of resistance and the square of current that can be considered as a quadratic flow cost. We employ the notion of tie-sets that reduces the complexity of the power flow loss problem by dividing a power network into a set of loops that forms a linear vector space on which the power loss problem can be formulated as a convex optimization problem. As finding a solution in each tie-set enables global optimization, we realize parallel computing within a system of independent tie-sets by integrating autonomous agents. Simulation results demonstrate the minimization of the power loss on every link by iteratively optimized power flows and show the superiority against the traditional centralized optimization scheme. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasmodium falciparum MAEBL is a unique member of the ebl family.

Abstract Malaria is one of the deadliest human diseases and efforts to control it have been difficult due to the protozoan parasites’ complex biology. Malaria merozoite invasion of erythrocytes is an essential part of blood-stage infections. The invasion process is mediated by numerous parasite molecules, such as EBA-175, a member of the ebl family of erythrocyte binding proteins. We have identified maebl, an ebl paralogue, in Plasmodium falciparum and found it highly conserved with its orthologues in P. yoelii and P. berghei, but distinct from other Plasmodium ebl. Importantly, the putative MAEBL ligand domains are highly conserved and are similar to AMA-1, but not the consensus DBL ligand domains present in all other ebl. In mature merozoites, MAEBL localized with rhoptry proteins (RhopH2, RAP-1), including surface localization with RhopH2, but not microneme proteins (EBA-175, BAEBL). MAEBL appears as proteolytically processed fragments in P. falciparum parasites. The amino cysteine-rich ligand domains were present primarily in culture supernatants, while the carboxyl cysteine-rich domain adjacent to the transmembrane domain was preferentially isolated from Triton X-100 extracted fractions. These data indicate that the primary structure of maebl is highly conserved among Plasmodium species, while its characteristics demonstrate a function unique among the ebl proteins.
bis-azaaromatic quaternary ammonium analogues: Ligands for α4β2* and α7* subtypes of neuronal nicotinic receptors

Abstract A series of bis-nicotinium, bis-pyridinium, bis-picolinium, bis-quinolinium and bis-isoquinolinium compounds was evaluated for their binding affinity at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) using rat brain membranes. N , N ′-Decane-1,12-diyl-bis-nicotinium diiodide (bNDI) exhibited the highest affinity for [ 3 H]nicotine binding sites ( K i =330 nM), but did not inhibit [ 3 H]methyllycaconitine binding ( K i >100 μM), indicative of an interaction with α4β2*, but not α7* receptor subtypes, respectively. Also, bNDI inhibited (IC 50 =3.76 μM) nicotine-evoked 86 Rb + efflux from rat thalamic synaptosomes, indicating antagonist activity at α4β2* nAChRs. N , N ′-Dodecane-1,12-diyl-bis-quinolinium dibromide (bQDDB) exhibited highest affinity for [ 3 H]methyllycaconitine binding sites ( K i =1.61 μM), but did not inhibit [ 3 H]nicotine binding ( K i >100 μM), demonstrating an interaction with α7*, but not α4β2* nAChRs. Thus, variation of N - n -alkyl chain length together with structural modification of the azaaromatic quaternary ammonium moiety afforded selective antagonists for the α4β2* nAChR subtype, as well as ligands with selectivity at α7* nAChRs.
Unwatering the Divide Cut of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway: A major challenge to construction

The construction of the Divide Cut of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway required excavation of more than 150 million cubic yards of unconsolidated sand and clay To make this excavation required lowering the artesian groundwater table as much as 100 feet Lowering of the artesian head was accomplished with deep wells, while the gravity groundwater was removed by trenching Environmental considerations required predicting and monitoring the drawdown of groundwater in the area of the canal More than 1,000 piezometers were used to monitor construction excavation and the spread of the drawdown cone The 280-foot bottom width canal was successfully completed ahead of schedule with the groundwater safely controlled through permanent relief wells
Sociology of collaborative research groups.

(2004). Sociology of collaborative research groups. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Other Motor Neuron Disorders: Vol. 5, No. sup1, pp. 118-120.
Making Meaning Matter: A Look at Instructional Practice in Additive and Subtractive Contexts

Abstract In this article, I examine the implications of additive and subtractive conceptions for the education of English language learner (ELL) students. To understand how competing theories regarding the education of ELL students materialize into action, I examine select findings from one district's implementation of Proposition 227. Focusing on the cases of two teachers, I examine the connections between teachers' theories about their students and the role in the policy to practice connection. This article provides an opportunity for school leaders to consider the implications of subtractive and additive approaches in the educational achievement of ELL students.
Documenting neurotoxicity from occupational manganese exposure.

Couper's 1837 case series description of a neurological syndrome with features of parkinsonism—tremor in the extremities, gait disturbance, whispering speech—in five manganese (Mn) ore crushers is widely regarded as the first report of severe neurotoxicity in humans resulting from Mn over-exposure.1 More than a century had passed when Rodier2 published his widely quoted survey of nervous system impairment among Moroccan manganese miners in the British Journal of Industrial Medicine . According to Rodier, in the intervening years between Couper's and his 1955 publication, manganese was recognised as a “poison affecting the nervous system… (but was) less well known than other metallic poisons”. Rodier's publication summarises findings from a prevalence survey of neurological signs and symptoms conducted among 3849 workers employed at three mines. He acknowledged some limitations of his study, including difficulties establishing accurate denominator data due to transient components of the workforce that included “basic” and “day” labourers, frequent absenteeism “especially at festivals and harvest times”, and job changes that occurred when ore seams were exhausted. Contemporary occupational epidemiologists will appreciate the challenges encountered in efforts to estimate person-time with proper attribution to exposure category. The survey revealed 151 cases of nervous system effects in the workforce, 132 of whom held jobs drilling blast holes, which entailed the most intense Mn exposures, …
Unsteady Swirling Flows in Annular Cascades, Part 1: Evolution of Incident Disturbances

A theory is developed for the interaction of an unsteady incident disturbance with an annular cascade in a mean swirling flow. The centrifugal and Coriolis forces caused by the mean swirl couple the acoustic and vortical disturbance modes and can lead to the formation of a critical layer. A normal mode analysis shows that, for moderate subsonic Mach numbers, the eigenmodes, which may not form a complete set, are segregated into pressure-dominated and vorticity-dominated modes. A complete description of incident disturbances is proposed in terms of the pressure-dominated eigenmodes and a spatially developing initial-value solution. For the special case of a potential mean swirl, the vortical modes are uncoupled from the acoustic modes, and their vorticity grows linearly as they propagate downstream. For a general vortical mean swirl the vorticity-dominated spatially developing disturbances may oscillate or amplify (decay) depending on the radial distribution of the mean swirl. The analysis clearly indicates a significant effect of the mean-flow swirl on the evolution of the incident disturbances and therefore on the blade upwash
Heterosexuals' Attitudes toward Lesbianism and Male Homosexuality: Their Affective Orientation toward Sexuality and Sex Guilt

Abstract This study sought to determine if there was a relationship between heterosexuals' attitudes toward lesbianism and male homosexuality and their affective orientation toward sexuality (erotophiliaerotophobia) and sex guilt. Subjects were 72 male and 57 female heterosexual college undergraduates. A self-report questionnaire was administered in a health education class and mailed to campus dormitories. The variables were measured by four scales: Attitudes Toward Lesbianism, Attitudes Toward Male Homosexuality, Sex Guilt Subscales, and modified Sexual Opinion Survery (erotophiliaerotophobia). Through a sample selection process involving randomization, the sample was made proportional to the university's undergraduate students by sex, class standing, and school. Affective orientation toward sexuality was established to be related to attitudes toward lesbianism for both sexes, and related to attitudes toward male homosexuality for female subjects only (all p<.05). Sex guilt was related to both sexes' at...
Expanded T cells from pancreatic lymph nodes of type 1 diabetic subjects recognize an insulin epitope

In autoimmune type 1 diabetes, pathogenic T lymphocytes are associated with the specific destruction of insulin-producing beta-islet cells. Identification of the autoantigens involved in triggering this process is a central question. Here we examined T cells from pancreatic draining lymph nodes, the site of islet-cell-specific self-antigen presentation. We cloned single T cells in a non-biased manner from pancreatic draining lymph nodes of subjects with type 1 diabetes and from non-diabetic controls. A high degree of T-cell clonal expansion was observed in pancreatic lymph nodes from long-term diabetic patients but not from control subjects. The oligoclonally expanded T cells from diabetic subjects with DR4, a susceptibility allele for type 1 diabetes, recognized the insulin A 1-15 epitope restricted by DR4. These results identify insulin-reactive, clonally expanded T cells from the site of autoinflammatory drainage in long-term type 1 diabetics, indicating that insulin may indeed be the target antigen causing autoimmune diabetes.
Characterization of creep cavity shape in hot-pressed silicon carbide using small-angle neutron scattering

Fine-grained silicon carbide with a continuous second-phase grain-boundary film was crept under compressive loading at 1600° C. The shape of the resultant grain-boundary cavities was characterized using small-angle neutron scattering. During the early stages of creep the cavities grew more rapidly in the plane of the grain boundary, as evidenced by an elongation of the isointensity contours and an increase in the radius of gyration,R D, along the direction of the applied compressive stress. During the latter stages of creep the cavities grew more rapidly perpendicular to the grain-boundary plane, as evidenced by a gradual reduction in the scattering anisotropy and by an increase inR D perpendicular to the compressive stress axis relative toR D parallel to the compressive stress axis. Cavity aspect ratios calculated from the ratios of theR D values parallel to and perpendicular to the compressive stress axis are shown to support a recent model of cavity growth in a viscous grain-boundary film.
Exploring the Deep-Level Reasoning Questions Effect during Vicarious Learning among Eighth to Eleventh Graders in the Domains of Computer Literacy and Newtonian Physics

This paper tested the deep-level reasoning questions effect in the domains of computer literacy between eighth and tenth graders and Newtonian physics for ninth and eleventh graders. This effect claims that learning is facilitated when the materials are organized around questions that invite deep-reasoning. The literature indicates that vicarious learners in college student populations show greater pretest to posttest learning gains when presented with deep-level reasoning questions before each content sentence, than when deep-level questions are omitted, or when learners interact with an intelligent tutoring system. This effect holds for vicarious learners across grade levels and domains.
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Gene Therapy

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a small peptide component of the prohormone, proglucagon, that is produced in the gut. Exendin-4, a GLP-1 receptor agonist originally isolated from the saliva of H. suspectum or Gila monster, is a peptide that shares sequence and functional homology with GLP-1. Both peptides have been demonstrated to stimulate insulin secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, promote satiety and slow gastric emptying. As such, GLP-1 and Exendin-4 have become attractive pharmaceutical targets as an adjunctive therapy for individuals with type II diabetes mellitus, with several products currently available clinically. Herein we summarize the cell biology leading to GLP-1 production and secretion from intestinal L-cells and the endocrine functions of this peptide and Exendin-4 in humans. Additionally, gene therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and Exendin-4 are discussed with a focus on recent work using the salivary gland as a gene therapy target organ for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
A-kinase anchoring protein targeting of protein kinase A in the heart

There is increasing evidence that subcellular targeting of signaling molecules is an important means of regulating the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. Subcellular organization of the signaling molecules in the PKA pathway insures that a signal initiated at the receptor level is transferred efficiently to a PKA substrate eliciting some cellular response. This subcellular targeting appears to regulate the function of a highly specialized cell such as the cardiac myocyte. This review focuses on A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) which are expressed in the heart. It has been determined that, of the approximately 13 different AKAPs expressed in cardiac tissue, several of these are expressed in cardiac myocytes. These AKAPs bind several PKA substrates and some appear to regulate PKA-dependent phosphorylation of these substrates. AKAP tethering of PKA may be essential for efficient regulation of cardiac muscle contraction. The ability of an AKAP to anchor PKA may be altered in the failing heart, thus compromising the ability of the myocyte to respond to stimuli which elicit the PKA pathway.
Binding Constants of Mercury and Dissolved Organic Matter Determined by a Modified Ion Exchange Technique

Ion-exchange techniques have been widely used for determining the conditional stability constants (logK) between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and various metal ions in aqueous solution. An exception is mercuric ion, Hg2+, whose exceedingly strong binding with reduced sulfur or thiol-like functional groups in DOM makes the ion exchange reactions difficult. Using a Hg-selective thiol resin, we have developed a modified ion-exchange technique which overcomes this limitation. This technique allows not only the determination of binding constants between Hg2+ and DOM of varying origins, but also the discrimination of complexes with varying coordination numbers [i.e., 1:1 and 1:2 Hg:thiol-ligand (HgL) complexes]. Measured logK values of four selected DOM isolates varied slightly from 21.9 to 23.6 for 1:1 HgL complexes, and from 30.1 to 31.6 for 1:2 HgL(2) complexes. These results suggest similar binding modes that are likely occurring between Hg2+ and key thiolate functional groups in DOM particularly at a relatively low Hg to DOM ratio. Future studies should further elucidate the nature and precise stoichiometries of binding between Hg2+ and DOM at environmentally relevant concentrations.
CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW VELOCITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME IN INFANTS UNDERGOING SURGICAL REPAIR OF CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Asrac Caegor 27. Cogeal Carolog Soluos earcreseao Numer 1135-124Auhors Henry Cheng, David Wypij, Peter Laussen, David Bellinger, Christian D. Stopp, Jane Newburger, Barry Kussman, Childrens Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, USABackground: Cereral loo low veloc (CV) measure rascraal Doppler soograph has prove sgh o cereral perfuso paes uergog surgcal repar of cogeal hear sease. However, a relaoshp ewee CV a evelopmeal oucome has o ee esalshe.Methods: Ifas <9 mohs of age uergog 2-vercle repar whou aorc arch osruco were erolle a prospecve ral evaluag he effecs of hemaocr urg carac surger. CV (Vs, ssolc; V, asolc; Vm, mea) of he M1 segme of he mle cereral arer was measure a se me-pos raoperavel a up o 18 hours pos caropulmoar pass. asele measuremes were performe followg uco of aeshesa. Suseue Vm measuremes were compare o he asele value o evaluae he relave chage Vm (rVm). eroperave aa were recore al, a he schomoor (DI) a Meal Developme Iex (MDI) of he ale Scales of Ifa Developme-II were measure a age 1 ear.Results: he su cohor clue 100 sujecs 43 wh exro-rasposo of he grea areres (D-GA), 36 wh eralog of allo (O), a 21 wh vercular sepal efecs (VSD). CV a asele vare wh agoss, wh ouger D-GA sujecs (mea age a surger 5 as) havg lower CV values ha oler TO (66 as) a VSD (107 as) sujecs (p<0.01 for Vs, V, Vm). CVs raoperavel a a 1 a 6 hours pos caropulmoar pass o correlae wh DI or MDI. Hgher rVm a 18 hours pos caropulmoar pass was correlae (Spearma) wh hgher DI (r=0.24, p<0.04) a MDI (r=0.28, p<0.02). I mulvarale aalss, he relaoshp ewee hgher rVm a 18 hours pos caropulmoar pass a hgher DI (p<0.03) a MDI (p=0.004) persse afer corollg for socal class, agoss group, a age a surger.Conclusion: Earl chages mea CV afer repar of cogeal hear sease are relae o evelopmeal oucome a age 1 ear. hs ig ma e explae a crease cereral loo low a oxge elver wh he acheveme of ormal crculaor phsology.
Regulation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Growth by Survivin

The inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin has long been of interest in the cancer literature for its role in both the regulation of cell proliferation and the inhibition of apoptosis. A growing body of literature has implicated survivin in the maladaptive pathways following vascular injury and, in particular, in the growth of vascular smooth muscle cells that comprise the hyperplastic neointimal lesions that characterize midterm vein bypass graft failure and restenosis following angioplasty and stenting. This review focuses on the emerging role of survivin in the regulation of smooth muscle cell growth and its implications for the prevention of restenosis following revascularization procedures. The expression, regulation, and function of survivin are addressed, as well as the current state of understanding regarding the effects of survivin inhibition in vitro and in vivo.
Changes in persistent organic pollutant levels from adolescence to young adulthood

Elimination rates and their corresponding half-lives are conceptually important and intuitively accessible pharmacokinetic measures of toxicant elimination, but regression-based estimates are biased proportional to the degree of continuing (background) exposure. We propose an alternative estimator, the censored normal regression model, which uses all observations, but treats individuals whose initial level failed to exceed their follow-up level as censored observations to weight the regression estimates from those that declined between blood draws. In this manner, we derive the intrinsic elimination rate, the elimination rate free from ongoing exposure, as a parameter in a regression with an unobserved, latent dependent variable. We utilize sequential measurements of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) levels from adolescence to adulthood, a period of intense change in size and body composition, to quantify individual-level change within a community exposed to significant quantities of contaminants over an extended period of time. Although much research has been conducted on effects of POPs, far less attention has been given to vectors of intake and changes in toxicant levels during the life course. We apply exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to types and timing of consumption, along with physical behavioral characteristics, to identify a structure of seven underlying factors. Although several variables show factorial complexity, the latent constructs included an age/maturation and period-related factor, a nutritional composite, consumption prior to pregnancy, fish and fowl consumed during pregnancy, factors distinguishing body mass and weight from height, and bottom-feeding fish consumption. Unadjusted and adjusted half-lives using the censored normal regression estimator, as well as estimated half-lives from conventional log concentration regressions, are reported for PCB groupings, specific congeners, p,p′-DDE, and HCB.
The development of the psychodynamic psychotherapist in supervision.

Supervision is a fundamental component of every clinical training program that teaches psychodynamic psychotherapy. However, the development of the psychodynamic therapist in supervision has been a relatively unexplored area. This article identifies nine areas of development of the psychodynamic psychotherapist in supervision, with an emphasis on the beginning trainee. The areas explored include aspects of the therapist’s understanding of the patient and aspects of the therapist’s use of himself or herself in the psychotherapy. Consideration of the trainee in each of these areas helps the supervisor better understand the specific strengths and weaknesses that the trainee brings to their work together and enables the supervisor to be more skillful in the difficult business of psychotherapy supervision.
Use of standardized and conventional allergen extracts in prick skin testing

Abstract This study examined whether commercially available conventional and standardized allergen extracts differ enough in potency to affect routine prick skin test results. Extracts of white oak, timothy, Bermuda, Russian thistle, short ragweed, sagebrush, Altemaria, and cat dander were examined in allergic patients and in nonatopic subjects with no personal or family history of asthma, rhinitis, or eczema. Conventional nonstandardized extracts (1:10 or 1:20 wt/vol) from two sources were compared with three concentrations (100,000, 10,000, and 1000 AU/ml) of a single standardized extract. Preparations were compared in the allergic patients with computerized planimetry, and in all patients and subjects with a conventional skin test grading system. Skin test area for the conventional extracts generally fell between the 10,000 and 100,000 AU/ml concentrations of the standardized extract. Skin test reactivity to at least one allergen extract occurred in 31% of the nonatopic subjects; there was no difference between the number of 3+ and 4+ reactions for conventional and standardized extracts. Results indicate that standardized and conventional extracts are frequently similar, but are not directly interchangeable.
Gene duplication, neofunctionalization, and the evolution of C4 photosynthesis

The evolution of C4 photosynthesis provides one of the most interesting examples of evolutionary novelty in plants. As an adaptation that enhances plant carbon gain in warm climates with high light and relatively low atmospheric CO2 concentration, the complex interactions between C4 anatomy and biochemistry appear to have evolved over thirty times independently within the angiosperms. Past theories have explained the multiple appearances of C4 photosynthesis solely on the basis of global decreases in atmospheric CO2 concentration during the past 50 million years. The premise of such theories is that the C4 pathway provides selective advantages in terms of plant carbon gain in an atmosphere of low CO2 concentration. These “carbon balance” theories, however, are limited in their ability to explain why or how C4 photosynthesis evolved so many times independently and why certain patterns in the taxonomic distribution of C4 photosynthesis exist; e.g., the absence of C4 photosynthesis in canopy‐forming forest t...
Survey: The Application of GMOD in Bioinformatics Research

Bioinformatics is the application of information technology to the field of molecular biology. Bioinformatics research involves lots of genome data and one challenge problem is how to store, analyze and visualize them effectively. Generic Model Organism Database (GMOD), a collection of source software tools for creating and managing genome-scale biological database, has been used to create small laboratory database of genome annotations and large web-accessible community database. Many components, such as Chado, GBrowse, BioMart and Apollo, are mature software with many human-years of software development behind them. The demand for GMOD components has been strong since genome sequence started to appear and many of the first genome database are build using them. Many organizations made contributions for GMOD or build their database or system using GMOD. This paper introduces the GMOD and its application in bioinformatics research.
The effect of hydrogen bonding on the glass transition temperatures of polymer mixtures

Decouvertes preliminaires sur la Tg de melanges de i-PMMA ou s-PMMA avec des resines Novolaque
What is pharmacological 'affinity'? Relevance to biased agonism and antagonism.

The differences between affinity measurements made in binding studies and those relevant to receptor function are described. There are theoretical and practical reasons for not utilizing binding data and, in terms of the quantification of signaling bias, it is unnecessary to do so. Finally, the allosteric control of ligand affinity through receptor–signaling protein interaction is discussed within the context of biased antagonism. In this regard, it is shown that both the bias and relative efficacy of a ligand are essential data for fully predicting biased effects in vivo .
Helicopter detection and classification using hidden Markov models

Hidden Markov models (HMMs) are probabilistic finite state machines that can be used to represent random discrete time data. HMMs produce data through the use of one or more `observable' random processes. An additional `hidden' Markov process controls, which of the `observable' random processes is used to produce an individual data observation. Helicopter radar signatures can be represented as quasi- periodic 1D discrete time series that can be analyzed using HMMs. In the HMM helicopter detection and classification algorithm developed in this study, the states of the `hidden portion' of the HMM were used to represent time dependence alignments between the radar and helicopter rotor structures. For example, the times when specular reflections occur were used to define a `blade-fish' state. Since blade- flash frequency, and the corresponding non-blade-flash state duration, is an important feature in helicopter detection and classification. HMMs that allowed direct specification of state duration probabilities were used in this study. The HMM approach was evaluated using X-Band radar data from military helicopters recorded at Ft. A.P. Hill. After initial adaptive clutter suppression and blade-flash enhancement preprocessing, a set of approximately 1,000 raw in-phase and quadrature data records were analyzed using the HMM approach. A correct target classification rate that varied between 98% for a PRF of 10 KHz to 91% at a 2.5 KHz PRF was achieved.
Effect of interphases on micro and macromechanical behavior of hexagonal-array fiber composites

The interphase is modeled by a layer which resists radial extension and circumferential shear deformation. Taking advantage of the periodicity of the medium, the states of stress, and deformation in a basic cell have been analyzed numerically by the use of the boundary element method
Asymptotic Analysis for a Vlasov-Fokker-Planck/ Compressible Navier-Stokes System of Equations

This article is devoted to the asymptotic analysis of a system of coupled kinetic and fluid equations, namely the Vlasov-Fokker-Planck equation and a compressible Navier-Stokes equation. Such a system is used, for example, to model fluid-particle interactions arising in sprays, aerosols or sedimentation problems. The asymptotic regime corresponding to a strong drag force and a strong Brownian motion is studied and the convergence toward a two phase macroscopic model is proved. The proof relies on a relative entropy method.
Interventional Management of Pleural Infections

Pleural infections represent an important group of disorders that is characterized by the invasion of pathogens into the pleural space and the potential for rapid progression to frank empyema. Previous epidemiologic studies have indicated that empyema is increasing in prevalence, which underscores the importance of urgent diagnosis and effective drainage to improve clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, limited evidence exists to guide clinicians in selecting the ideal drainage intervention for a specific patient because of the broad variation that exists in the intrapleural extent of infection, presence of locules, comorbid features, respiratory status, and virulence of the underlying pathogen. Moreover, many patients experience delays in both the recognition of infected pleural fluid and the initiation of appropriate measures to drain the pleural space. The present review provides an update on the pathogenesis and interventional therapy of pleural infections with an emphasis on the unique role of image-guided drainage with small-bore catheters.
Emotion and Cognition in Students Who Struggle to Read: New Insights and Ideas.

As educators, we need to change the way we think about cognition and emotion, especially for children who struggle to read. Emotion and cognition work in parallel in subtle and powerful ways. In this article, we explore the relationship between emotion and cognition in a group of children with reading disabilities in grades five through nine. We investigate their emotional reactions to reading and the influence of emotions on their cognition, mood, and self-schemas. We present our results in themes that arose from our conversations with the students and their teachers. From our themes, we designed a Checklist of Emotional Distress Related to Reading that teachers and parents can use to determine the impact of emotions on the children in their lives. We present suggestions at the end that teachers and others can use to better understand and assist children identified by the checklist.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF BOAT PROPELLER SCARS ON FISH AND SHRIMP UTILIZING SEAGRASS BEDS

We investigated the relationship between damage from boat propeller scarring in seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) beds and the abundance of three faunal taxa commonly associated with seagrass vegetation in Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay, Florida. We chose sites with no damage (reference sites) to compare to those with propeller scarring within each of the two geographic locations. Thirty 141-m2 sites in both Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay, representing a gradient of scarring from 6% to 31% of the total area, were sampled in spring and winter 1996 along with reference sites to evaluate effects of propeller damage on abundance of the pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides, and the pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli. Additionally, 60 sites in both Charlotte Harbor and Tampa Bay representing areas with up to 50% scarring and comparison reference sites were sampled in spring 1997 to investigate whether propeller scar damage impacted epibenthic shrimp abundance and community structure in seagrass. Our results indicated no signif...
Long-term variations of zonal mean winds and (1,1) driving in the equatorial lower thermosphere

Abstract Observations of equatorial lower thermospheric zonal winds field during 1992–1995 indicate time-mean westward flow between 90 and 105 km, switching to eastward flow above 105 km. The westward wind regime exhibits significant semiannual variations each year, as well as substantial interannual variability. These winds are examined in relation to the vertical structure and temporal variability of the gravest symmetric propagating mode of the diurnal tide, or (1,1). The presence of (1,1) strongly influences HRDI observations of the equatorial lower thermospheric winds that are restricted to daytime hours only. The principles of classical tidal theory are used to determine the vertical convergence of the (1,1) vertical flux of eastward momentum. This quantity is westward at all times in the lower thermosphere, and exhibits substantial variations on semiannual and interannual time scales.
Algometry in Diagnosis of Musculoskeletal Pain and Evaluation of Treatment Outcome: An Update

SUMMARYThis is an updated review (1) of pressure algometry [PA] as employed for quantification of tenderness in diagnosis of tender spots [TSs], trigger points [TrPs], fibromyalgia [FMS] and muscle spasm. The pressure pain threshold [PPT], i.e., the minimum pressure that induces pain or discomfort expresses the degree of sensitization affecting the nerve fibers by sensitizing substances.This relation seems to be linear. The clinical use of PA includes the following:Diagnostic Applications Quantification of tenderness in myofascial and other musculoskeletal pain. The critical level of abnormality has been established as a 2 kg/cm2 lower threshold relative to a normal control point, usually selected over a contralateral corresponding site. This criterion is applicable for diagnosis of TSs, which cause local pain in the maximum point of tenderness, and TrPs which induce referred pain in a distant area. Point tenderness which is quantified by algometry is the most consistent and reliable finding for diagnosis...
On complex operator-valued O-U processes, T-positivity, and innovations of Okabe and Masani

Abstract This paper gives innovation of an infinite-dimensional isometric Markov stationary process. In terms of this innovation the process is expressed as an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process. The result includes the innovation results provided earlier by Masani and Okabe. We use techniques of Nagy dilation theory which also yield a direct proof of the main result of Okabe on the structure of T -positive processes.
α-Hydroxy Ketone Precursors Leading to a Novel Class of Electro-optic Acceptors

A facile high-yield synthetic route has been established for the synthesis of α-hydroxy methyl ketones. These intermediates are important precursors to the tricyanovinyldihydrofuran type of acceptor used in high μβ nonlinear optical chromophores. 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-2-butanone is one of only three commercially available precursors of this type, limiting the chemist from making systematic studies of structure property relationships. This very general synthetic method allows a wide variety of α-hydroxy ketone structures to be easily made.
Characterization of Phytophthora spp. on Floriculture Crops in North Carolina.

Abstract Isolates of Phytophthora in floriculture crops were collected from North Carolina commercial greenhouse facilities in 2007 and 2008, identified, and characterized for mating type and mefenoxam sensitivity. In all, 163 isolates from 13 host species at 11 locations were identified primarily as Phytophthora nicotianae (59%), P. drechsleri (23%), P. cryptogea (9%), and P. tropicalis (4%). Multiple Phytophthora spp. were found at five locations. DNA sequencing was more reliable for differentiating P. cryptogea and P. drechsleri. Only the A1 mating type of P. drechsleri was collected; however, both mating types of P. nicotianae, P. cryptogea, and P. tropicalis were found. Overall, 66% of Phytophthora isolates were resistant or intermediate in resistance to mefenoxam at 1 μg a.i./ml. Three groups of P. drechsleri isolates had effective concentration of mefenoxam providing 50% growth inhibition (EC50) estimates over 700 μg a.i./ml. EC50 estimates for P. nicotianae ranged from 246 to 435 μg a.i./ml. Isola...
Subtractive cDNA cloning and characterization of genes induced by all-trans retinoic acid.

Retinoids, a group of natural and synthetic analogs of vitamin A, have proven effective in preventing tumor formation in animal studies and clinical trials1 (see ref. 2 for reviews). Of all retinoids, all-trans retinoic acid (RA) is the most biologically active vitamin A metabolite. Using an experimental model involving F111/RARα cells (parental F111 rat fibroblasts do not express detectable RARα, β, or γ, whereas F111/RARα cells express RARα and are therefore RA responsive) and polyoma virus middle T antigen as an oncogenic agent, our laboratory has demonstrated that RA, acting via RARα, suppresses mT-induced transformation by blocking transcription of the c-fos gene whose product is a component of the transcription factor AP-1.3,4 Further study indicated that the observed inhibitory effect of RA on transformation induced by mT resulted from RA preventing mT signaling to the c-fos promoter via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase)/Rac/Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling cascade.5 We think that RA blocks this pathway by inducing expression of some inhibitory proteins that act on the components of this pathway (FIG. 1). Our hypothesis is supported by several observations: (1) activation of RARα, itself a nuclear transcription factor, is required for inhibition of mT-induced transformation; (2) analysis of RA repression of c-fos transcription demonstrated that pretreatment of cells with RA for >6 hours was required and that the observed RA effect on c-fos expression was blocked by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide; and (3) no RARE has been found in the c-fos promoter and therefore RAR is unlikely to inhibit c-fos expression directly. A full understanding of the mechanism of the anticarcinogenic effect of RA requires identification of these RARα−regulated inhibitory genes.