cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hallmarks of the aging T-cell system.

The adaptive immune system has the enormous challenge to protect the host through the generation and differentiation of pathogen-specific short-lived effector T cells while in parallel developing long-lived memory cells to control future encounters with the same pathogen. A complex regulatory network is needed to preserve a population of naive cells over lifetime that exhibit sufficient diversity of antigen receptors to respond to new antigens, while also sustaining immune memory. In parallel, cells need to maintain their proliferative potential and the plasticity to differentiate into different functional lineages. Initial signs of waning immune competence emerge after 50 years of age, with increasing clinical relevance in the 7th-10th decade of life. Morbidity and mortality from infections increase, as drastically exemplified by the current COVID-19 pandemic. Many vaccines, such as for the influenza virus, are poorly effective to generate protective immunity in older individuals. Age-associated changes occur at the level of the T-cell population as well as the functionality of its cellular constituents. The system highly relies on the self-renewal of naive and memory T cells, which is robust but eventually fails. Genetic and epigenetic modifications contribute to functional differences in responsiveness and differentiation potential. To some extent, these changes arise from defective maintenance; to some, they represent successful, but not universally beneficial adaptations to the aging host. Interventions that can compensate for the age-related defects and improve immune responses in older adults are increasingly within reach.
De-Centering Whiteness Through Revisualizing Theory in Social Work Education, Practice, and Scholarship

Institutions that frame social work education and prepare future practitioners are firmly rooted in hegemonic philosophies and practices that perpetuate colonization, oppression, and white supremacy. In recognizing that white supremacy is a mechanism of social control, that our current social structure is grounded in liberal-patriarchal capitalism, and that social work conforms to prevailing social norms, we, as social workers, must acknowledge our complicity in perpetuating a white supremacist master narrative (Pewewardy & Almeida, 2014). The white supremacist ideology inherent within Western social work literature, teaching methodologies, and practice strategies only serves to perpetuate an oppressive system. This structure does not envision social workers as agents of change, but rather as essential cogs of the status quo who foster client dependence on a system that is inherently marginalizing. One mechanism for disrupting the white supremacy that has become a master narrative in social work is to create a counter-narrative (Pewewardy & Almeida, 2014). This paper creates a counter-narrative by using the pyramid of white supremacy framework (Safehouse Progressive Alliance for Nonviolence, 2008; Tuzzolo, 2016) to critique social work and deconstruct post-racial fallacies ascendant within the profession, and re-visualizes ecological systems framework as a mechanism for de-centering whiteness in social work scholarship, practice, and education.
Modern information systems for managers

Offers several features to prepare executives for effective utilization of information systems. This book presents coverage of the information systems technology within the context of information systems and issues surrounding design and implementation of information systems including microcomputers, security issues, and group support systems.
Human Rights in Jewish Law: Contemporary Juristic and Rabbinic Conceptions

Many have critiqued and condemned the State of Israel for alleged human rights violations.1 The upsurge of violence over the past few years between Israel and terrorist organizations in Gaza and Lebanon have evoked vitriolic condemnation of Israel‘s actions in defense of its security and its citizens.2 The human rights allegations lodged against Israel have led some to question whether the Jewish character of the state affects this alleged neglect of human rights to the Arab population in and surrounding Israel.3 Jewish law—as part of the Jewish character embodied by the State of Israel—plays a crucial role in understanding the concept of human rights as developed by Jewish communities throughout
Collective Instabilities in the Tevatron Collider Run II Accelerators

High luminosity operation of the Tevatron during Collider Run II required high beam intensities all over the accelerator complex, and as a result, five out of six rings (except the Debuncher) had notable problems with beam stability. The instabilities of almost every type are present there: single and multibunch, transverse and longitudinal, due to electromagnetic interaction with vacuum chamber and due to interaction with ions stored in the beam, in proton and antiproton beams. In many cases, various methods to suppress the instabilities have been implemented, including various damping systems—see Table 5.1. The most severe issues with serious impact on operations were related to transverse head-tail instability in the Tevatron, transverse beam instability in the Booster, instabilities in the Recycler antiproton beams, and longitudinal instabilities in the Tevatron.
Adaptive query processing in point-transformation schemes

Point-transformation schemes transform multidimensional points to one-dimensional values so that conventional access methods can be used to index multidimensional points, enabling convenient integration of multidimensional query facilities into complex transactional database management systems. However, in high-dimensional data spaces, the computational complexity of the required query transformation is prohibitive. This paper proposes a near-optimal solution based on our novel ideas of adaptive Z-ordering. The experimental results show that the proposed approach significantly improves the query performance of point-transformation schemes. The idea can easily be generalized to accommodate any hierarchical space-filling curve, not just the Z-curve.
Abstract P329: Low-carbohydrate Diets and Incidence, Prevalence, and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcium in the Multi-ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (mesa)

Background: The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is associated with the risk of coronary heart disease. We aimed to assess the relationship between low-carbohydrate dietary patterns and CAC scores in the MESA cohort. Methods: Our sample included 5,702 men and women who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease and had food frequency questionnaires at baseline (2000-2002), and at least one measure of CAC during follow-up. We excluded those with implausible energy intake ( 6000 kcal/day) or daily physical activity (>24 hours). Two low-carbohydrate-diet (LCD) scores were generated: an overall LCD score was calculated based on total carbohydrate, fat, and protein, and a plant-based LCD score was calculated using intakes of unsaturated fat (excluding trans fat) and vegetable protein. CAC scores at exam 1 and at 2 and 3 (18 and 36 months later) were used in multivariable relative risk regression models to examine the association between LCD scores and CAC prevalence and incidence (binary), while robust regression was used to examine CAC progression (continuous). Analyses were adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: The mean age was 62 years, 48% of participants were male, and 40.8% were White. The mean (SD) levels of carbohydrate intake as a percentage of energy were 64.2 (5.2), 56.1 (4.9), 51.5 (3.7), 47.5 (4.0), and 42.1 (5.6) from the lowest to the highest quintiles of the overall LCD score. There were 2,652 (46.5%) participants who had positive CAC scores at baseline and 252 participants who had newly positive scores for CAC during follow-up. Among those with prevalent CAC at baseline, the median (IQR) of increases in CAC was 47 (132) over follow-ups. For incident CAC, relative risk estimates (95% CI) from Quintile 1 to 5 were 1, 0.73 (0.52, 1.02), 0.65 (0.45, 0.95), 0.90 (0.63, 1.28), 1.05 (0.77, 1.42) for overall LCD scores, and were 1, 1.14 (0.81, 1.61), 0.98 (0.71, 1.37), 1.08 (0.78, 1.49), 1.15 (0.82, 1.62) for plant-based LCD scores, respectively. No significant trend was observed for associations with incident CAC. There was no significant association between any LCD score and CAC prevalence or progression among those with positive CAC scores at baseline. Conclusions: A low-carbohydrate diet, including a plant-based low-carbohydrate diet, was not associated with prevalence, incidence, or progression of CAC among those with prevalent CAC at baseline.
Three-dimensional virtual acoustic displays

The development of an alternative medium for displaying information in complex human-machine interfaces is described. The 3-D virtual acoustic display is a means for accurately transferring information to a human operator using the auditory modality; it combines directional and semantic characteristics to form naturalistic representations of dynamic objects and events in remotely sensed or simulated environments. Although the technology can stand alone, it is envisioned as a component of a larger multisensory environment and will no doubt find its greatest utility in that context. The general philosophy in the design of the display has been that the development of advanced computer interfaces should be driven first by an understanding of human perceptual requirements, and later by technological capabilities or constraints. In expanding on this view, current and potential uses are addressed of virtual acoustic displays, such displays are characterized, and recent approaches to their implementation and application are reviewed, the research project at NASA-Ames is described in detail, and finally some critical research issues for the future are outlined.
The Search for Transuranium Elements and the Discovery of Nuclear Fission

The synthesis of new, artificial elements beyond uranium was at the cutting-edge of physical research in the 1930s, and nearly half a dozen transuranium elements were reported between 1934 and 1938. Nuclear physicists and radiochemists collaborated closely, but each field introduced fundamental assumptions that proved to be false: that nuclear changes would always be small, and that transuranium elements would resemble transition elements chemically. With its surprise ending in the discovery of nuclear fission, the misguided transuranium project can be viewed as an example of the illogical progress of scientific discovery. It is also an example of an interdisciplinary collaboration that was flawed yet crucial, for although chemists and physicists both contributed to the delay in discovering fission, their collaboration was essential in leading them to it in the end.
A Linear Logic Treatment of Phrase Structure Grammars for Unbounded Dependencies

A number of researchers have proposed applications of Girard's Linear Logic [7] to computational linguistics. Most have focused primarily on the connection between linear logic and categorial grammars. In this work we show how linear logic can be used to provide an attractive encoding of phrase structure grammars for parsing structures involving unbounded dependencies. The resulting grammars are closely related to Generalized Phrase Structure Grammars [4, 5]. As part of the presentation we show how a variety of issues, such as island and coordination constraints can be dealt with in this model.
Sweetening the Deal: Strengthening Transnational Bribery Laws Through Standard International Corporate Auditing Guidelines

Despite the existence of law on the books against transnational bribery in most developed nations, prosecution of the crime is oftentimes half-hearted. This Note explores a number of options to promote the punishment of corrupt businesses that bribe foreign officials, even when the prosecution of these businesses might not be in the public interest of the company's home country. It proposes a robust treaty by members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development that not only outlaws transnational bribery, but also gives developed nations the tools and the motivation to detect it. Such a treaty would level the playing field for businesses, cutting corruption and making corporations and governments more transparant to taxpayers and shareholders.
Ab initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) (13)C NMR study of the rearrangement and dynamic aspects of rapidly equilibrating tertiary carbocations, C6H13(+) and C7H15(+).

The rearrangement pathways of the equilibrating tertiary carbocations, 2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl cation (C6H13(+), 1), 2,3,3-trimethyl-2-butyl cation (C7H15(+), 5) and 2,3-dimethyl-2-pentyl cation (C7H15(+), 8 and 9) were investigated using the ab initio/GIAO-CCSD(T) (13)C NMR method. Comparing the calculated and experimental (13)C NMR chemical shifts of a series of carbocations indicates that excellent prediction of δ(13)C could be achieved through scaling. In the case of symmetrical equilibrating cations (1 and 5) the Wagner-Meerwein 1,2-hydride and 1,2-methide shifts, respectively, produce the same structure. This indicates that the overall (13)C NMR chemical shifts are conserved and independent of temperature. However, in the case of unsymmetrical equilibrating cations (8 and 9) the Wagner-Meerwein shift produces different tertiary structures, which have slightly different thermodynamic stabilities and, thus, different spectra. At the MP4(SDTQ)/cc-pVTZ//MP2/cc-pVTZ + ZPE level structure 8 is only 90 calories/mol more stable than structure 9. Based on computed (13)C NMR chemical shift calculations, mole fractions of these isomers were determined by assuming the observed chemical shifts are due to the weighted average of the chemical shifts of the static ions.
Progress in Phenylketonuria: Defects in the Metabolism of Biopterin

Although progress in a major biological frontier, the neurosciences, has been both rapid and broadly based, it has offered little to the practical pediatrician. Some recent reports may forecast a change. Careful study of an old subject, phenylketonuria (PKU), has opened up a new area of research that has great potential significance. Five years ago in London, Smith et al1 described three children with "PKU" who had an unusual clinical course. Despite early diagnosis and treatment with a low phenylalanine diet, these patients developed progressive neurological disease and died. The atypical course, a high tolerance for phenylalanine, and normal phenylalanine hydroxylase activity on liver biopsy in one of the children led them to the astute speculation that this syndrome was a new form of "hyperphenylalaninemia" probably due to a defect in the metabolism of biopterin.
GROSS STRUCTURE AND 1d-SHELL NUCLEI

The available high-resolution data for ($1d, 2s$)-shell nuclei suggest that the requirements necessary for valid interpretation of gross-structure measurements are not met. As specific examples the data for ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{27}$, ${\mathrm{Al}}^{28}$, ${\mathrm{P}}^{32}$, and ${\mathrm{S}}^{33}$ are discussed. There is also limited evidence of similar difficulties in the $1f$ shell.
Apparent volumes of distribution and drug binding to plasma proteins and tissues

A pharmacokinetic model that incorporates linear binding of drug to plasma proteins and tissue indicates the same relationship between apparent volume of distribution and drug binding as that proposed by Gillette (1971) based on a simple distribution model. Apparent volume of distribution (V) is directly proportional to free fraction of drug in plasma (fp) and indirectly proportional to free fraction of drug in tissue (fT). In the case of a constant fT, a plot of V versus fp will be linear with an intercept equal to plasma volume (Vp). If fT changes with fp, an apparently linear plot may result but the intercept will exceed Vp. An approach to the calculation of fT, a composite binding parameter, is presented and illustrated by comparing the tissue binding of tolbutamide in patients during acute viral hepatitis and upon recovery.
Effects of Selective vs. Nonselective Cyclooxygenase Inhibition on Dynamic Renal Potassium Excretion: A Randomized Trial

Both selective and nonselective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors can reduce potassium excretion and can produce or exacerbate hyperkalemia.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 We investigated whether there is a difference between the effects of nonselective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitors and selective COX-2 inhibitors on provoked dynamic renal potassium excretion. We apply a mixed-effects model statistical approach that allows investigation of drug-induced delays in reaching maximal potassium excretion, blunting/flattening of potassium handling curves, and shift/separation in potassium handling at peak potassium excretion. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2008); 84, 2, 208–211 doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.16
Inhibition of medullary raphé serotonergic neurons has age-dependent effects on the CO2 response in newborn piglets

Medullary raphe serotonergic neurons are chemosensitive in culture and are situated adjacent to blood vessels in the brain stem. Selective lesioning of serotonergic raphe neurons decreases the vent...
The Relationship Between Parenting Behaviors and Adolescent Achievement and Self-Efficacy in Chile and Ecuador

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the perception of parenting behaviors (positive induction, monitoring, autonomy granting, punitiveness, and permissiveness) on adolescent achievement orientation and self-efficacy among samples of Chilean and Ecuadorian adolescents. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that parental positive induction significantly predicted a greater achievement orientation for Ecuadorian youth. Achievement orientation and self-efficacy was positively predicted by the perception of Chilean mothers’ and fathers’ monitoring of behaviors. By contrast, a perception of greater parental punitiveness by Chilean youth negatively predicted self-efficacy and achievement orientation. Similarly, parental punitiveness and permissiveness negatively predicted self-efficacy among Ecuadorian youth. This study yields important insights into the diversity of Latin American culture and parenting behaviors that foster greater adolescent competency.
In due season.

The Emergency Department in Johannesburg is challenging because the patients strapped to my back are frequently drunk and combative, kicking and swearing and spitting at the doctors. But I’d rather be here than on the psychiatric floor, where patients often remain tied to my rails for days on end. In the Emergency Department, I feel useful. Even last night, when a patient managed to wrestle me to the ground sideways, still strapped in, taking one of the security guards down in the process. Instantly, we were upright again, one intern hugging each leg like a tree trunk and two more pressing his arms into my back hard enough to leave a mark. I could feel the patient’s body twist into mine as the first needle went in. I could see the nurse, unflappable in this din, pierce flesh, pull blood, and deftly link a bag of saline to the sunken veins in this broken man. Turbulent, milky syringes pushed back against his circulation, but still he fought. Twice the drugs went in, without so much as a sigh, but after the third round I felt his body loosen. The intern was at the head of the bed now, a tube in one hand, metal tongue depressor in the other. I knew she had missed the vocal cords when the patient jerked his body forward and vomited blood and bile all over me, the paramedics, and the intern’s scowling face. She blinked a few times, retched herself, and then yelled to the nurse: ‘‘I’m going again.’’ It took three tries before the tube slid into that perfect, narrow space between breath and silence, and the intern staggered back, wiping vomit off of her chin. The patient
Epigenetic Repression of RARRES1 Is Mediated by Methylation of a Proximal Promoter and a Loss of CTCF Binding

Background The cis-acting promoter element responsible for epigenetic silencing of retinoic acid receptor responder 1 (RARRES1) by methylation is unclear. Likewise, how aberrant methylation interplays effectors and thus affects breast neoplastic features remains largely unknown.
Thermally Induced Response of Flexible Structures: A Method for Analysis

The phenomenon of a thermally induced spacecraft instability became apparent during the flight of the OGO-IV spacecraft in the late 1960s. The paper presents a generalized approach to the problem of obtaining a computationally practical simulation model for a thermally driven structure. The formulation is such that it can be utilized in a stand-along manner or be meshed into a general multibody simulation model such as that reported by Bodley et al. (1978). As presented, the formulation is restricted to the dynamic range for which linearized radiation is a valid assumption.
The Modification of an Estuary

The San Francisco Bay estuary has been rapidly modified by human activity. Diking and filling of most of its wetlands have eliminated habitats for fish and waterfowl; the introduction of exotic species has transformed the composition of its aquatic communities; reduction of freshwater inflow by more than half has changed the dynamics of its plant and animal communities; and wastes have contaminated its sediments and organisms. Continued disposal of toxic wastes, the probable further reduction in freshwater inflow, and the possible synergy between the two provide the potential for further alteration of the estuary's water quality and biotic communities.
Predictors of red cell transfusion in children and adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

Study Design.A retrospective review was performed.Objective.To determine clinical predictors of allogeneic and autologous red cell transfusion in children and adolescents undergoing spinal fusion surgery.Summary of Background Data.Blood loss during spinal fusion surgery often results in the need for
Drosophila polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (DmPTB) regulates dorso-ventral patterning genes in embryos.

The Drosophila polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (dmPTB or hephaestus) plays an important role during embryogenesis. A loss of function mutation, heph03429, results in varied defects in embryonic developmental processes, leading to embryonic lethality. However, the suite of molecular functions that are disrupted in the mutant remains unknown. We have used an unbiased high throughput sequencing approach to identify transcripts that are misregulated in this mutant. Misregulated transcripts show evidence of significantly altered patterns of splicing (exon skipping, 5′ and 3′ splice site switching), alternative 5′ ends, and mRNA level changes (up and down regulation). These findings are independently supported by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and in situ hybridization. We show that a group of genes, such as Zerknullt, z600 and screw are among the most upregulated in the mutant and have been functionally linked to dorso-ventral patterning and/or dorsal closure processes. Thus, loss of dmPTB function results in specific misregulated transcripts, including those that provide the missing link between the loss of dmPTB function and observed developmental defects in embryogenesis. This study provides the first comprehensive repertoire of genes affected in vivo in the heph mutant in Drosophila and offers insight into the role of dmPTB during embryonic development.
Toward a composite orbital chronology for the Late Cretaceous and Early Palaeocene GPTS

Drill sites recovered from the South Atlantic by the Deep Sea Drilling Project provide excellent magnetostratigraphies for the time–interval of polarity chrons C33r through C28n (83 to 62.5 Ma: Cande and Kent time–scale). Cyclic patterns of carbonate sedimentation, with a mean repeat time of ca . 20 ka, can be correlated between sites. The cycles show the full hierarchy of eccentricity amplitude modulations that would be expected of precessional orbital forcing. A significant modulation component exists at ca . 400 ka, which in all likelihood matches the modern 404 ka repeat time for eccentricity. This modulation pattern may provide the ‘tuning fork’ for tying cyclical sedimentation to the most stable astronomical eccentricity period. A ca . 2.5 Ma modulation also emerges that seems surprisingly similar to the modern long–wavelength eccentricity modulation of precessional amplitude, which should average 2.425 Ma. Results of ‘cyclochronology’ of polarity chrons C29n to C31n suggest that the Cande and Kent time–scale will need to be revised to allow for a more gentle change in South Atlantic sea–floor spreading than modelled by those authors.
Parameterization of an interfacial force field for accurate representation of peptide adsorption free energy on high-density polyethylene

Interfacial force field (IFF) parameters for use with the CHARMM force field have been developed for interactions between peptides and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Parameterization of the IFF was performed to achieve agreement between experimental and calculated adsorption free energies of small TGTG–X–GTGT host–guest peptides (T = threonine, G = glycine, and X = variable amino-acid residue) on HDPE, with ±0.5 kcal/mol agreement. This IFF parameter set consists of tuned nonbonded parameters (i.e., partial charges and Lennard–Jones parameters) for use with an in-house-modified CHARMM molecular dynamic program that enables the use of an independent set of force field parameters to control molecular behavior at a solid–liquid interface. The R correlation coefficient between the simulated and experimental peptide adsorption free energies increased from 0.00 for the standard CHARMM force field parameters to 0.88 for the tuned IFF parameters. Subsequent studies are planned to apply the tuned IFF parameter set for the simulation of protein adsorption behavior on an HDPE surface for comparison with experimental values of adsorbed protein orientation and conformation.
Interactions of annexin V with phospholipid monolayers

To understand the mechanism of annexin V-membrane interactions, we measured the interaction of human recombinant annexin V with phospholipid monolayers with differing head group and acyl group structures. Annexin V interacted with anionic phospholipid monolayers via non-specific electrostatic interactions, which was highly dependent on the surface pressure of monolayer with a sharp maximum. The unique surface pressure dependence of the annexin V-monolayer binding is strikingly similar to that observed for the binding of Ca2+ to anionic phospholipid monolayers, which indicates that the annexin V-bound Ca2+ binds two phospholipids at the membrane surface and that factors governing the Ca(2+)-phospholipid complex formation regulate the overall annexin V-Ca(2+)-membrane interactions.
Fabrication and characterization of a Fabry-Perot-based chemical sensor

A micromachined silicon Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor is demonstrated as an optical chemical sensor. This sensor is based on the combined nature of the amplifying and tuning characteristics of the Fabry-Perot microcavity structure and the doping effect of polymer films such as Poly(3- dodecylthiophene) (P3DDT) upon exposure to an oxidizer, in this case, iodine. The fabricated Fabry-Perot chemical sensors show reversible sensing behavior with a maximum change in transmitted optical intensity of 60%. Significant improvement of the sensing performance is obtained from the Fabry-Perot microcavity structure compared to a simple planar single membrane structure, which indicates the resonant effect of the Fabry-Perot cavity on the chemical sensor. The measured sensing characteristics suggest that the change in absorptance of P3DDT polymer inside the microcavity plays a major role, while the deflection of a microcavity membrane by the P3DDT polymer-induced surface tension gives tunability of the sensor to maximize the amplification of output response by adjusting the Fabry- Perot microcavity gap spacing.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
CHAINGROWTH IN FISCHER-TROPSCH CATALYSIS, AS OBSERVED WITH TRANSIENT-KINETIC METHODS

An abrupt change in the reaction ambient from 12CO/H2 to 13CO/H2 leads to a gradual ingrowth of 13C in hydrocarbon chains. From the rate of 13C ingrowth we calculate C—C bonds to form on a time scale varying from ≤1 s (ruthenium) to ≥10s (cobalt).
An improved synthesis of dichlorofluoramine, FNCl2

Abstract Low-temperature fluorination of N,N -dichloro-1-fluoroformamide, FC(O)NCl 2 , has provided a more convenient, high-yield (75%) synthesis of dichlorofluoramine, FNCl 2 , than was previously available. In an attempt to further expand the novel metal fluoride promoted conversion of N-Cl bonds to N-Br bonds, both FC(O)NCl 2 and FNCl 2 were reacted with bromine in the presence of various alkali metal fluorides. No evidence was found for the formation of either FC(O)NBrCl and FC(O)NBr 2 or FNBrCl and FNBr 2 in these reactions. In fact, FC(O)NCl 2 was found to decompose to C(O)F 2 , N 2 , and Cl 2 in the presence of alkal metal fluorides.
Uptake of Kynurenine into Rat Brain Slices

: The transport of [3H]kynurenine ([3H]KYN) into slices from rat tissue was examined in vitro. Brain accumulated KYN seven to eight times more effectively than any of several peripheral organs. Of all the organs tested, only the brain exhibited a sodium-dependent component of the uptake process. After an incubation period of 1 h, sodium-dependent transport amounted to 60% of total uptake. Both processes were abolished by prior sonication of the tissue and significantly inhibited by inclusion of metabolic blockers in the incubation medium. Time resolution showed that the sodium-independent uptake occurred rapidly and reached saturation within 30 min. In contrast, sodium-dependent transport was linear for at least 2 h of incubation. Brain regional analysis revealed a sevenfold difference between the areas of highest (cortex) and lowest (cerebellum) uptake. With the exception of cerebellar tissue, the ratio between sodium-dependent and sodium-independent processes was consistent among brain regions. Kinetic analyses were performed on striatal slices and revealed a Km of 927 μM and a Vmax of 18 nmol/h/mg of protein for the sodium-dependent process, and a Km of 3.8 mM and a Vmax of 38 nmol/10 min/mg of protein for the sodium-independent transport. The transporters were equally amenable to inhibition by KYN and tryptophan, indicating that KYN entry into the cell may be mediated by neutral amino acid uptake sites. No strict stereoselectivity existed, but L enantiomers were clearly more active than the D forms. Studies in ibotenate-lesioned striata showed a 70%decrease in the sodium-dependent process and a concomitant 60%increase in the sodium-independent transport, suggesting differential cellular associations of the two uptake sites. Cellular uptake of KYN may constitute a critical step in the disposition of KYN metabolites such as quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid in the brain.
A differential array of metalated synthetic receptors for the analysis of tripeptide mixtures.

A novel library of resin-bound receptors within a cross-reactive differential array for the identification and discrimination of tripeptides and tripeptide mixtures is reported. Pattern recognition using principal component analysis showed complete discrimination of four similar tripeptides and three tripeptide mixtures. The library is comprised of a Cu(II)-centered core with two proximally appended tripeptide arms emanating outward. One tripeptide arm was prepared using combinatorial chemistry to generate the differential nature of the library. Thirty resin-bound receptors were randomly selected from the library and placed within a silicon microchip array that included integrated microfluidics elements, and an indicator-uptake assay was used for colorimetric signaling. The indicator Orange G yielded an accurate measure of the degree of association between receptors and analytes as determined by kinetic analysis of the indicator-uptake assays. Within this paper we detail the method used for differential s...
Increased prolyl hydroxylase activity and collagen synthesis in hepatocyte cultures exposed to superoxide

Primary monolayer cultures of rat hepatocytes at confluence were exposed to an exogenously added source of superoxide, and its influence on collagen synthesis was examined. Superoxide was generated by the addition of dihydroxyfumarate to the culture medium. Exposure of hepatocytes to dihydroxyfumarate greatly stimulated the activity of prolyl hydroxylase and the synthesis of collagen. A significant increase in prolyl hydroxylase activity was observed with 5 μg per ml dihydroxyfumarate in 24 hr relative to that in the untreated cultures. Maximum stimulation of greater than 3-fold compared to the control value was elicited by 25 μg per ml dihydroxyfumarate. When scavengers of superoxide such as superoxide dismutase and Cu(Lys)2 were added in the medium, the increase in prolyl hydroxylase activity induced by dihydroxyfumarate was nearly abolished. Experiments with actinomycin D indicated that synthesis of new RNA was involved in the stimulation of prolyl hydroxylase activity. Analysis of collagen synthesis in cultures exposed to dihydroxyfumarate also showed a marked increase compared to that of the untreated cultures. The presence of superoxide dismutase in the medium significantly reduced the increase in collagen synthesis. Our results indicate that superoxide mediates the stimulation of collagen synthesis in hepatocytes. These findings may provide a possible explanation for excess collagen formation during induced liver fibrosis.
Benzo[b]thiophene derivatives. VII. An abnormal substitution product from 3-chloromethylbenzo[b]thiophene†

The alkylation of cyanide ion with 3-chloromethylbenzo[b]thiophene gave a higher yield of benzo[b]thiophene-3-acetonitrile in dimethyl sulfoxide than in alcohol, and in addition 2-cyano-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene was obtained as a by-product in this solvent. The abnormal product was prepared by an alternative, unequivocal synthesis. The isomers were hydrolyzed to their respective acids, which were reduced to 3+(β-hydroxyethyl)benzo[b]thiophene and 2-hydroxymethyl-3-methylbenzo[b]thiophene. The ultraviolet and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of these compounds are reported.
Enamel and dentine shear bond strength of two resin modified glass ionomers and two resin based adhesives.

Objectives. The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the shear bond strength to enamel and dentine of two resin modified glass ionomers (Fuji Bond L.C. and Vitrebond) and two resin based adhesives (Prime&Bond 2.1 and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose). Methods. A total of 120 bond sites were prepared on either enamel (n = 60) or dentine (n = 60) on human molars by grinding the teeth flat with a 600 grit sandpaper. Each tooth substrate group was divided into four groups (n = 15) to match each material. Each of the four material systems was applied, according to the manufacturers instructions, to the bond sites. On top of the placed material, a microfilled composite was placed in a 2.5 mm diameter matrix and light-cured for 40 s. All specimens were thermocycled 500 times (5–55 °C). Shear bond strength values were determined 120 h after bonding using a Zwick testing machine. One-way ANOVA was used to determine whether significant differences (p < 0.05) existed among the material groups on enamel and dentine. Pairwise comparisons were used to determine significant differences (p < 0.05) among the four products. Results. The ANOVA revealed strong significant differences on enamel (p = 0.0001) and dentine (p = 0.0172). The enamel bond strength values of the two resin based adhesives were significantly higher than one of the resin modified glass ionomers (Vitrebond), while the other resin modified glass ionomers did not differ from Scotchbond Multi-Purpose. On dentine, however, Vitrebond performed significantly better than the two resin based adhesives. Conclusions. The investigated resin modified glass ionomers bonded better to dentine surfaces than to enamel surfaces, while the investigated resin based adhesive systems bonded better to enamel than to dentine.
Comparison of Superior Mesenteric Versus Jugular Venous Infusions of Insulin in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats on the Choice of Caloric Intake, Body Weight, and Fat Stores

Corticosterone (B) increases and insulin decreases food intake. However, in streptozotocin (STZ)-diabetic rats with high B, low insulin replacement promotes lard intake. To test the role of the liver on this, rats were given STZ and infused with insulin or vehicle into either the superior mesenteric or right jugular vein. Controls were nondiabetic; all rats were treated with high B. After 5 d, all rats were offered lard, 32% sucrose, chow, and water ad libitum until d 10. Diabetes exacerbated body weight loss from high B; this was prevented by insulin into the jugular, but not superior mesenteric, vein. Without insulin, STZ groups essentially consumed only chow; controls increased caloric intake about equally from the three sources. Insulin into both sites reduced chow and increased lard intake. Although circulating insulin was increased only by jugular infusion, plasma glucose and liver glycogen were similar after insulin into both sites. Fat depot weights differed: sc fat was heavier after jugular and mesenteric fat was heavier after mesenteric insulin infusions. We conclude that there are important site-specific effects of insulin in regulating the choice of, but not total, caloric intake, body weight, and fat storage in diabetic rats with high B. Furthermore, lard intake might be regulated by an insulin-derived, liver-mediated signal because superior mesenteric insulin infusion had similar effects on lard intake to jugular infusion but did not result in elevated circulating insulin levels likely associated with liver insulin removal.
Human homologue of murine tumor rejection antigen gp96: 5'-regulatory and coding regions and relationship to stress-induced proteins

Abstract Cell-surface glycoproteins of 96 kDa (gp96) have been implicated in immunogenicity of methylcholanthrene-induced mouse sarcomas in syngeneic hosts. In view of the potential immunogenicity of gp96-related molecules in human tumors, we have defined the 5'-regulatory and complete coding regions of a human gp96 transcript. The 5'-regulatory region contains an imperfect heat shock element apart from other regulatory sequences. The amino acid sequence of human gp96 is 96% homologous to its murine counterpart and genes for the two molecules show significant homology between untranslated regions. Comparison of gp96 sequences to other sequences in DNA and protein data bases indicates significant homology with the stress proteins 94-kDa glucose-regulated protein (grp94) and 108-kDa heat shock protein (hsp108) and 99-kDa endoplasmic reticular protein (ERp99). These molecules are either identical or represent a family of closely related molecules. With regard to their role in tumor immunity, it needs to be determined whether gp96 molecules are tumor antigens per se or whether they serve as carriers of other immunogenic moieties.
Xen worlds: leveraging virtualization in distance education

The Xen Worlds project at Iowa State University was designed to provide a virtualized lab environment for the Information Assurance program. The large number of off-campus students, and a desire for high levels of security, drove many of the requirements for the Xen Worlds environment. Some of the requirements established for the project were: The environment needed to be equally accessible and easy to use for both on- and off-campus students. It needed to be isolated from the outside world and other students. The system had to be equally usable for students with limited computing and network resources. Costs had to be kept to a minimum.The Xen Worlds environment has now been used to support several courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. This virtual environment was equally accessible to on- and off-campus students on a 24/7 basis and supported numerous assignments in support of established curriculum requirements. Finally, surveys of students who used the Xen Worlds environment show that students have a favorable view of the project and view it as a useful and convenient learning tool.
The Commodification of the American West: Marketers’ Production of Cultural Meanings at the Trade Show:

Abstract The author employs critical ethnographic methods to examine empirically marketers’ processes of producing cultural meanings at a western stock show and rodeo. Western cultural meanings and values of freedom, naturalism, competition, and family values are produced by marketers in attracting a nonranch audience; juxtaposing business, education, and entertainment; making ample references to historical tradition; and using business activity as the basis for claims of authenticity. Marketing implications center on tapping into rich sources of cultural meaning by (1) attending to the cultural dimensions of economic activity, (2) taking industry as the unit of analysis through an examination of representations of production in market discourses and practices, (3) expanding history from a research method to a source of market meaning, and (4) considering the marketplace as a lived tradition.
Destruction of Pentachlorophenol Using Glow Discharge Plasma Process

Pentachlorophenol (PCP), found in wood preservatives and pesticides, is an acutely toxic recalcitrant organochlorine carcinogenic compound. A point-to-plane glow discharge plasma (GDP) process was used to study the destruction of 30−50 ppm (120−188 μM) sodium salt of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in an aqueous solution. PCP was converted to less than 10% of its initial concentration in 1−3 h, at room temperature and low pressure (50 Torr). Effects of varying the headspace gas chemistry, stirring rate, pH, and current upon rate of PCP conversion were investigated. Organic acids, including formate, acetate, butyrate, and oxalate, were formed as byproducts after 1−3 h of GDP treatment of PCP. The chloride recovery suggests 50−70% dechlorination. The PCP removal rate exhibited mixed order kinetics. A reaction model developed to verify mixed order kinetics compares well with the experimental data. The increase in order may be due to the production and subsequent destruction of several reaction products throughout th...
Duality and self-reflexive torsion-free abelian groups

We characterize the torsion-free abelian groups G of finite rank such that Hom(−, G) defines a rank preserving duality on the category of End(G)-submodules of finite sums of copies of G. Our results provide a maximal extension of Warfield's duality result for torsion-free groups of finite rank. In order to obtain our extension, we study the torsion-free abelian groups G for which G ≅nat Hom(Hom(G, G), G).
Repeat pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease

Abstract Background: A repeat pull-through for Hirschsprung's disease is undertaken when the original procedure has failed. The reasons for failure include a retained aganglionic segment, stricture, fistula, or persisting incontinence. Methods: All patients who underwent a redo pull-through from 1982 through 1996 were included. Twenty-two patients were underwent surgery; 20 notes were reviewed. The mean age at operation was 6 years (range, 1 to 13). Mean time between operations was 5.1 years (range, 0.5 to 13). Results: Postoperative complications occurred in five patients. These included wound infection, recurrent rectal septum, division of a vas, compartment syndrome, and an anastomotic stricture. Follow-up was for 6.5 years (range, 0.2 to 12). The mean number of bowel movements was 2.2 per day (range, 1 to 6). Fourteen (of 19) patients were continent or soiling less than once per, week. Soiling occurred more than once a week in four, but two of these were incontinent after the first operation. One has a colostomy. Conclusion: A repeat pull-through is a worthwhile procedure when dealing with an anatomic problem such as retained Hirschsprung's disease, stenosis, or fistula.
New and Emerging Energy Sources for Implantable Wireless Microdevices

In this paper, we review new and emerging energy sources for wireless implantable microdevices. After a brief historical background, we review the developments in power sources in the decades following the pioneering works of Zworykin and Mackay in the late 1950s. These include deployment of lithium batteries and inductive powering in the 1970s, which resulted in significant growth and commercialization of implantable medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers and cochlear implants. Recent research in nanoscale materials for energy generation has created intriguing possibilities for next generation implantable power sources in the form of flexible and biodegradable batteries and supercapacitors. In addition, energy harvesting/remote powering from various environmental physical and chemical sources within the body utilizing nanoscale materials can also offer unique possibilities for autonomous implantable microscale and nanoscale devices.
Selective Inhibition of Bovine Plasma Amine Oxidase by Homopropargylamine, a New Inactivator Motif

Propargylic and activated allylic amines are known to inactivate the quinone-dependent plasma amine oxidases, possibly through active-site modification by the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde turnover products. Although homopropargylamine (1-amino-3-butyne, 1) is a nonobvious candidate as a mechanism-based inhibitor, 1 was found to be an unusually potent time- and concentration-dependent irreversible inactivator of bovine plasma amine oxidase (BPAO), exhibiting a 30 min IC50 of 2.9 μM at 30 °C ([BPAO] = 1.2 μM). Preserved cofactor redox activity of the denatured inactivated enzyme indicates that inactivation by 1 involves either a cofactor modification that reverses upon enzyme denaturation or a modification of an active-site residue. Because inactivation by 1 may involve enzyme alkylation by the reactive 2,3-butadienal (3) tautomer of the 3-butynal turnover product of 1, aldehyde 3 was prepared and was found to inactivate BPAO, but only at high concentration. In addition, whereas inhibition by 3 was blunted by t...
The structure and partial synthesis of delelatine, an alkaloid from Delphinium species

A new C-19-diterpenoid alkaloid designated as delelatine has been isolated from Delphinium elatum L. and D. tatsienense Franch. and its structure has been elucidated by spectroanalytical methods. Delelatine has been correlated with 14-acetyl-10-deoxydictyocarpine and synthesized from dictyocarpine, thus confirming its structure and stereochemistry.
Convex fuzzy random variables

Abstract A theory of fuzzy random variables is developed that applies to situations involving both randomness and fuzziness. The use of membership functions that are quasi-concave play an important role in the theory. The expectation of a fuzzy random variable is a fuzzy variable (fuzzy set). The usual linearity properties of probabilistic expectation carry over to fuzzy random variables. A special case of a fuzzy Law of Large Number is proven.