cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 225: Chronic Alcohol Consumption Alters the Epigenetic Fingerprint of Cardiac Cell Types

The cardiac influence of chronic ethanol (EtOH) consumption in humans is dictated by the frequency of ethanol ingestion. Whereas moderate consumption (i.e. 1-2 alcoholic drinks/day) imparts a cardiac benefit to patients by reducing adverse cardiovascular event (ACE) occurrences, consumption below or beyond these moderate levels significantly increases the incidence of ACEs. Despite these observations, little is known regarding the functional impact of chronic EtOH consumption on post-myocardial infarct repair or the cellular mechanisms involved in this process. Thus, we investigated the post-AMI functional consequences of chronic ethanol consumption in mice. Mice received chronic ethanol via the Lieber-DeCarli paradigm (i.e. 0%, 1% (moderate) or 5% (high) ethanol v/v) in an isocaloric fashion for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, mice underwent a 60-minute ischemic/reperfusion injury and the subsequent assessment of their cardiac function for 4 weeks post-AMI. As early as two weeks post-AMI, mice fed the 1% EtOH displayed modest yet significant improvements in ejection fraction and systolic ventricular volumes as compared to control mice. Conversely, the 5% EtOH diet group displayed diminished ejection fraction and increases in both systolic chamber volume and infarct size. To explore the cellular basis of these observed functional changes, primary cardiac cell types (fibroblasts and endothelial cells) treated chronically (5 days) with ethanol in vitro (i.e. 0%, 0.1% (moderate) or 0.5% (high) ethanol v/v) displayed robust changes in their epigenetic histone-modification profiles indicating a high likelihood for changes in cell specific gene expression. In addition, conditioned media from ethanol treated primary cardiac fibroblasts (PCFBs) altered the tube forming capacity of endothelial cells in a matrigel tube-formation assay in a dose pattern akin to what was observed in vivo. This data suggests that chronic ethanol directly invokes epigenetic changes in PCFBs that can modify their contribution to cardiac repair processes following AMI. Lastly, we are actively investigating whether ethanol-induced changes to endothelial cell epigenetic patterns alter the cells responses in the face of an ischemic insult.
ESCHERICHIA COLI K-12 AUXOTROPHS INDUCED BY INSERTION OF THE TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT Tn5

The sites of insertion of the transposable kanamycin-neomycin resistance-determining element, Tn5, in the E. coli K-12 chromosome were assessed in a collection of over 300 auxotrophs. Although mutations in at least 45 different cistrons were obtained, the distribution of insertion sites was not completely random: proA or proB; cysG; and cysH, cysD or cysC mutants were found in excess.
Identification of an initiator-like element within the HTLV-I promoter.

Abstract Using the 5′ long terminal repeat (LTR) as its only promoter, the HTLV-1 provirus generates a single RNA transcript that undergoes differential splicing to express the various viral proteins. Examination of sequence near the transcription start site revealed an element resembling a transcriptional initiator (Inr) at position −8 to −15 in addition to the canonical TATA box at −25. To elucidate basal control of HTLV-I gene expression, functional traits of this element were examined. It specifically bound a protein complex, the mobility of which was altered by antibody to serum response factor, and independently mediated reporter gene expression. Mutating the Inr in a minimal construct reduced basal transcription, whereas mutation of the element within the context of the complete LTR left basal transcription unaffected. Presence of the element influenced transcription start site choices. Exhibiting many characteristics of an Inr, this element may play an important role in regulating HTLV-I gene expression in vivo, particularly during the long clinical latency period prior to development of HTLV-I-induced disease.
The Gemini Planet Imager calibration testbed

The calibration wavefront system for GPI will measure the complex wavefront at the apodized pupil and provide slow phase corrections to the AO system to mitigate against errors that would cause a loss in contrast. This talk describes both the low-order and high-order sensors in the calibration wavefront sensor and how the information is combined to form the wavefront estimate before the coronagraph. Expected performance for this wavefront sensor will also be described for typical observing scenarios. Finally, we will show labratory results from our calibration testbed that demonstrate the instrument performance at levels commensurate with those required on the GPI instrument.
Social class and psychotherapy: A sociolinguistic approach

Professional social workers are the primary resource for psychotherapeutic services among the lower status groups in our society. While everyone in the profession knows this, relatively little systematic research and theory has been generated on the question of how to adapt our interventions so as to better serve this clientele. Bernstein's work on social class and speech codes is examined. His theories are applied to the problem of conducting psychotherapy with a social stratum whose language code is ill-suited for the more “traditional” verbally oriented therapies. Some suggestions for alternative treatment approaches are made.
Chinese irredentist nationalism: The magician's last trick

Since the 1989 Tiananmen incident, Beijing has mounted a patriotic nationalist campaign to regain popular support by shifting its basis of legitimacy from a bankrupt ideology to nationalism. That campaign appears to be effective, especially among youth and intellectuals. The new Chinese nationalism is a troubling mix of reaction to past humiliation, a sense of being presently thwarted from achieving greatness, and irredentism. Drawing from official and popular Chinese publications, this article seeks to provide a detailed account of Chinese irredentist claims, and concludes with a brief discussion of policy implications.
Cerebral toxoplasmosis following etanercept treatment for idiophatic pneumonia syndrome after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (PBPCT)

Idiophatic pneumonia syndrome (IPS) is a term used to describe lung injury following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) without an infectious etiology. Diagnostic criteria include multilobar infiltrates on chest X-ray, clinical symptoms consistent with pneumonia and evidence of abnormal pulmonary physiology. The incidence after autologous transplantation is low (6%) but it has a high mortality (70-80%). Treatment with high-dose steroids has been used but the results are discouraging. Etanercept is a recombinant human soluble TNF receptor fusion protein that inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) function. Recently, promising results have been obtained with etanercept for the treatment of acute and chronic GVHD after HSCT, but there is a little information regarding adverse effects. We report a case of IPS after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation (PBPCT) successfully treated with etanercept. The patient developed cerebral toxoplasmosis immediately after etanercept treatment with a good outcome.
Detection of nuclear polyhedrosis virus infection in Heliothis spp. by agar gel double diffusion

Abstract Nuclear Polyhedrosis virus infection was detected in single Heliothis zea larvae by the agar gel double diffusion technique using antiserum to alkali-solubilized polyhedra. Virus bands were observed in 2nd-5th stadium larvae following homogenization in 0.1 M Na2CO3-0.05 M NaCl, pH 11.0, in approximately one-half the time necessary for mortality to occur. In a field test, virus infection was detected by this method as early as 3 days after virus treatment.
Photochemical source of biological substrates in sea water: implications for carbon cycling

DISSOLVED organic carbon (DOC) in sea water represents one of the largest reservoirs of carbon on the earth1. The main fraction of this DOC is generally believed to be composed of old2, biologi-cally refractory material3 such as humic substances, for which the removal mechanisms remain largely unknown. One potentially important removal process in the ocean that has not been investi-gated is the photochemical breakdown of this DOC in the photic zone to form biologically labile organic products. Here we show that biological uptake of pyruvate is highly correlated to its rate of photochemical production in sea water (r = 0.964), and that the photochemical precursor(s) of pyruvate is from the fraction of DOC having a nominal molecular weight of 500. This is the first evidence that photochemical breakdown of high-molecular-weight marine DOC, which is presumably biologically refractory, results in the production of a compound that is used by plankton as a substrate. Our results have important implications for the oceanic carbon cycle, particularly with respect to planktonic-food-web dynamics and the global carbon budget.
Quantification of Yield Loss Caused by Triticum mosaic virus and Wheat streak mosaic virus in Winter Wheat Under Field Conditions

Abstract Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) and Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) infect winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) in the Great Plains region of the United States. The two viruses are transmitted by wheat curl mites (Aceria tosichella), which also transmit High Plains virus. In a field study conducted in 2011 and 2012, winter wheat cultivars Millennium (WSMV-susceptible) and Mace (WSMV-resistant) were mechanically inoculated with TriMV, WSMV, TriMV+WSMV, or sterile water at the two-leaf growth stage. Chlorophyll meter (soil plant analysis development [SPAD]) readings, area under the SPAD progress curve (AUSPC), grain yield (=yield), yield components (spikes/m2, kernels/spike, 1,000-kernel weight), and aerial dry matter were determined. In Millennium, all measured variables were significantly reduced by single or double virus inoculation, with the greatest reductions occurring in the double-inoculated treatment. Among the yield components, the greatest reductions occurred in spikes/m2. In Mace, only AUSPC...
Unified theory of effects of vortex pinning and flux creep upon the rf surface impedance of type-II superconductors.

We present a new theoretical approach that permits the rf surface impedance ${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathit{s}}$ of type-II superconductors to be calculated over a wide range of angular frequencies \ensuremath{\omega}, magnetic inductions B, and temperatures T. Our approach, based on a self-consistent treatment of vortex dynamics, includes the influence of both vortex pinning and flux creep upon ${\mathit{Z}}_{\mathit{s}}$ in a unified manner, by making use of continued-fraction-expansion results for the dynamic mobility of a particle undergoing Brownian motion in a periodic potential.
The relation of aerobic fitness to stroop task performance in preadolescent children.

Purpose: We investigated the relation between aerobic fitness and interference control-one component of executive control-in 74 children between 7 and 12 yr of age. Method: Participants completed a paper-and-pencil version of the Stroop color-word task and the FITNESSGRAM, a valid and reliable test measuring different components of physical fitness (i.e., aerobic, muscle, and body composition). During each condition of the Stroop task (word, color, color-word), participants were instructed to read aloud as many items as possible in 45 s. Data were also collected on IQ and personal and health demographics to account for other factors influencing the relationship between fitness and executive function. Results: Older children and those with higher IQ responded to more items correctly during each of the three conditions. Greater aerobic fitness was also associated with better performance on each of the three Stroop conditions independently of the other variables. Conclusion: These findings suggest that increased levels of fitness may be beneficial to cognition during preadolescent development.
Proteoglycans on endothelial cells present adhesion-inducing cytokines to leukocytes

Leukocyte recruitment from the blood circulation into tissue is essential for effective immune responses, and is, consequently, carefully regulated. In this article Yoshiya Tanaka and co-workers describe a model in which proteoglycans on the luminal surface of endothelium capture pro-adhesive cytokines. These cytokines provide the adhesion-inducing signal to particular leukocyte subsets which initiates their transmigration.
Molecular-marker-facilitated investigation of host-plant response to Exserohilum turcicum in maize (Zea mays L.) : components of resistance

RFLPs were used to investigate components of host-plant response to Exserohilum turcicum in 150 unselected F2∶3 lines of a B52/Mo17 maize population. Following inoculation with spore suspensions of the pathogen (race 0), components of disease development were measured and then quantitative trait mapping was performed to identify the location and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) determining host-plant response. Components of interest were the average number of lesions per leaf, the average percent leaf tissue diseased (severity) and the average size of lesions (cm2). Based on a LOD threshold of 2.31 (P<0.05), the number of lesions appears to be associated with QTLs on chromosomes 1S, 3L, 5S. Severity was associated with analogous regions and, in addition, QTLs on chromosomes 7L and 8L. Most QTLs, for either of these two components, involve additive gene action and partial dominance or overdominance. In contrast, lesion size was associated with QTLs on chromosomes 7L and 5L; recessive gene action may be involved at 7L.
Elimination of stealing by self-reinforcement of alternative behavior and family contracting

Abstract Stealing behavior of 5 yr duration in a 12-yr-old girl was overcome by a combination of self-reinforcement of alternative behavior and family contracting. The stealing stopped within 6 weeks. Family functioning also improved and continued to do so during 5 months of treatment. Follow-ups at 6, 12, and 18 months showed no return to stealing.
The synthesis of 8-(6-aminohexyl)-amino-GTP and -GDP and their application as ligands in affinity chromatography

Abstract Two guanine nucleotide analogs, 8-(6-aminohexyl)-amino-guanosine-5′-triphosphate and 8-(6-aminohexyl)-amino-guanosine-5′-diphosphate, were synthesized from the monophosphate by phosphorylation with pyrophosphate or orthophosphate. Structural assignments were made according to nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The ability of these nucleotides to act as enzyme substrates has been determined. Both guanosine nucleotides were used as ligands for affinity chromatography by attaching them to Sepharose 4B by the cyanogen bromide method. The effectiveness of these new affinity columns in enzyme purification was investigated with polypeptide elongation factor II from rat and pig liver.
Pyrolysis of 1,1,2,2,2-tetramethyl-1,2-disila-3,6-dithiacyclohexane; Evidence for dimethylsilathione [(CH3)2SiS] intermediates

Abstract The pyrolysis of 1,1,2,2-tetramethyl-1,2-disila-3,6-dithiacyclohexane (I) yields 1,1-dimethyl-1-sila-2,5-dithiacyclopentane (II), 1,1,2,2,4,4-hexamethyl-1,2,4-trisila-3,5-dithiacyclopentane (III) and ethylene in equal amounts. While pyrolysis of a mixture of I and tetramethylcyclodisilthiane yields equal amounts of II, III and no ethylene. Finally, pyrolysis of a mixture of I and hexamethylcyclotrisilane yields 1,1,3,35,57,7-octamethyl-2,4,6-trioxo-1,3,5,7-tetrasila-8-thiacyclooctane. Possible mechanisms to explain these results are presented. In addition, the first example of insertion of dimethylsilylene into a siliconsulfur bond is reported.
Detecting gunshot residue by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy was used to detect gunshot residue (GSR) on a shooter’s hand. Double sided tape pressed to the skin of the shooter was directly analyzed. Characteristic emission lines identified GSR presence.
Influence of the Crystallization Solvent on Molecular and Supramolecular Structures of Silver(I) Tris(3‐Phenylpyrazolyl)methane Complexes

The compound [{HC(3-Phpz)3}Ag](BF4) (pz = pyrazolyl ring) has been prepared and shown to crystallize in four different forms depending on the solvent. Vapor-phase diffusion of diethyl ether into nitromethane solutions of the complex produces two polymorphs, an orthorhombic form (1) and triclinic form (2). Both polymorphs are coordination polymers constructed by a κ2−κ1 coordination of the tris(3-Phpz)methane units and have similar, but different, supramolecular structures. In 1 there are two independent chains linked by C−H···π interactions. In 2 only one type of chain is present, with a different internal structure than in 1. Non-covalent forces, mainly C−H···π interactions, organize the chains into sheets and the sheets into a final 3-D supramolecular structure in the case of 1, while in the case of 2 only a 2-D supramolecular structure forms. In contrast, vapor-phase diffusion of diethyl ether into acetonitrile or acetone solutions produces [{HC(3-Ph-pz)3}Ag{(CH3)2CO}](BF4) (3) and [{HC(3-Phpz)3}Ag{CH3CN}](BF4) (4). In these compounds, the ligand shows tripodal coordination to a single silver center and coordination of one solvent molecule to the metallic center. Both compounds form 3-D supramolecular structures organized by both C−H···π interactions and weak C−H···F hydrogen bonds and in the case of 4 π−π stacking. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2003)
Chemical procedures for enzyme immobilization on porous cellulose beads

In a previous article, the method of preparation and the physical properties of porous (75 to 80% porosity) cellulose beads were described (Biotechnol. Bioeng., 18, 1057 (1976). The present article reports that the chemical procedures employed for immobilizing enzymes on ordinary cellulose can be applied to the porous cellulose beads. The results showed more enzyme loading on the beads than ordinary cellulose. The choice of the procedures might also affect the mechanical strength of the cellulose beads.
In Vivo Functions of the Patched Protein: Requirement of the C Terminus for Target Gene Inactivation but Not Hedgehog Sequestration

The membrane protein Patched (Ptc) is a key regulator of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in development and is mutated in human tumors. Ptc opposes Hh-induced gene transcription and sequesters Hh protein. To dissect these functions, we tested partially deleted forms of Ptc in Drosophila. Deletion of either half of Ptc abolishes all function while coexpression of the halves restores nearly full activity. Deletion of the final 156 residues of Ptc permits Hh sequestration but abolishes inhibition of Hh targets. This deletion has dominant-negative activity, promoting target gene activation in a ligand-independent manner. We observe little or no association of full-length or partially deleted Ptc with the membrane protein Smoothened in Drosophila cultured cells.
Algorithms for remote quantification of chemical plumes: a comparative study

The passive remote chemical plume quantication problem may be approached from multiple aspects, corresponding to a variety of physical eects that may be exploited. Accordingly, a diversity of statistical quantication algorithms has been proposed in the literature. The ultimate performance and algorithmic complexity of each is in uenced by the assumptions made about the scene, which may include the presence of ancillary measurements or particular background / plume features that may or may not be present. In this paper, we evaluate and compare a number of quantication algorithms that span a variety of such assumptions. © (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prostate-specific antigen spikes with 131Cs brachytherapy. Is there a difference with other radioisotopes?

Abstract Purpose There is a suggestion that a dose-rate effect exists for the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) spike after brachytherapy. 131Cs is a newer radioisotope with a half-life of 9.7 days that is being used for prostate brachytherapy. There is no published data on the PSA spike with this radioisotope and the goal of this study was to quantify PSA spikes with 131Cs and compare it with published data for other isotopes. Methods and Materials We have been maintaining a prospective database for all patients treated with 131Cs prostate brachytherapy at our institution. We selected patients for whom followup PSA was available for at least 24 months. The PSA spike was defined as an increase of 0.2 ng/mL, followed by a decline to prespike level. Results One hundred twenty-three patients had monotherapy, whereas 32 had external beam radiation therapy followed by a brachytherapy boost. Median followup was 36 months and mean numbers of PSAs obtained were 7. Forty-six (29.7%) patients had a PSA spike. The mean time and duration for the PSA spike were 12.5 and 8.8 months, respectively. The mean magnitude of increase and mean PSA value at increase were 0.63 and 1.56 ng/mL, respectively. Conclusions The incidence of a PSA spike in our series is consistent with reported numbers for other radioisotopes. The occurrence of the spike at 12.5 months appears to be at the early end of the spectrum reported for 125I, but the duration and magnitude are similar to other radioisotopes.
Study of Nonsteady-State Continuous Membrane Column for Gas Separation

Abstract The permeation and transport processes occurring in a continuous membrane column (CMC) are quite complex, and the system will exhibit inverse response behavior in a certain operating regime. To understand the complex interaction of system variables, this work developed a mathematical model for the CMC and solved the model equations. Dynamic responses of a CMC for the separation of N2-CO2, CO2-O2, and O2-N2 gas mixtures with capillary silicone rubber membranes are presented. The effect of the membrane permeabilities on the CMC dynamics is examined. Responses of system variables to various disturbances, together with the start-up transient of the system, are discussed. The knowledge of the unsteady-state behavior of the CMC will enable us to predict the performance of the CMC and to control the CMC in a dynamic environment.
Home-range use by coyotes in Idaho

Abstract Radio-collared coyotes (Canis latrans) were relocated every 15 min during continuous 24-h sampling periods. The data were used to estimate patterns of home-range use by coyotes. Utilization of the the home range was found to vary spatially and behaviourally. Spatial use was determined by relative amounts of time coyotes spent and amounts of distance they travelled within each are of their home ranges. Behavioural use was based on identification of three types of movement patterns that werew postulated to represent three general kinds of behaviour: (1) resting behaviour, (2) hunting or investigative behavour, and (3) ranging or traveling behaviour. Spatial and behavioural uses of the home range area were found to be interrelated; core areas in which animals spent most of their time were also used primarily for resting or hunting. In areas in which animals spent little time, coyotes exhibited primarily ranging behaviour. Use patterns were postulated to be the result of coyotes' selection of areas due to unique vegetal, faunal, or physiogfaphic characteristics. Temporal variatrions in home-range use were found and were postulated to result from seasonal and diel changes in coyote behaviour due to the annual reproductive cycle, the seasonal and diel cycle of temperature, possible cycles in prey behaviour.
Determination of ceruloplasmin and other copper transport ligands in the blood sera of the nurse shark and clearnose skate

1. 1. Sera of the elasmobranchs Ginglymostoma cirratum (nurse shark) and Raja eglanteria (clearnose skate) were examined for the concentration of typical copper transport ligands. 2. 2. The major transport ligands histidine, albumin and ceruloplasmin were quite low in elasmobranch sera although production of melanin by liver cells was quite high. 3. 3. Serum copper content was comparable to certain mammals (rabbit, ox, horse) but considerably lower than reported values for human, rat and swine.
Prime ideals and radicals in rings graded by clifford semigroups

In this paper we continue our study of the ideal structure of the direct sum of a directed system of rings indexed by a semigroup begun In [1], with emphasis on describing the prime ideals and radicals of semigroup rings and semigroup–graded rings. This time we concentrate on semigroups that fail to satisfy condition (†) of our orginal article but have a sufficient quantity of nearly central idempotents, and we reduce the description of the prime ideals and radicals to the case of group rings and prime families over systems of group rings. Our results apply to Clifford sernigroups, commutative semigroups for which every element has a power lying in a subgroup, and some more general classes of semigroups.
Distribution and properties of aldehyde dehydrogenase in regions of rat brain

NAD-dependent aldehyde dehydrogenases (EC 1.2.1.3) were isolated from various subcellular organelles as well as from different regions of rat brain. The mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions were found to contain 40%, 28%, and 12%, respectively, of the total aldehyde dehydrogenase (5.28 +/- 0.44 nmol NADH/min/g tissue) found in rat brain homogenate when assayed with 70 muM propionaldehyde at pH 7.5. The total activity increased to 17.3 +/- 2.7 nmol NADH/min/g tissue when assayed with 5 mM propionaldehyde. Under these conditions the three organelles contained 49%, 23%, and 9%, respectively, of the activity. The enzyme isolated from cytosol possessed the lowest Km. The molecular weight of the enzyme isolated from all three subcellular organelles was approximately 100,000. Four activity bands were found by electrophoresis of crude homogenates, isolated mitochondria, or microsomes on cellulose acetate strips. Cytosol possessed just two of the forms. The total activity was essentially the same in homogenates obtained from cortex, subcortex, pons-medulla, or cerebellum. Further, the enzyme had the same molecular distribution and total activity in each of these four brain regions. Disulfiram was found to be an in vivo and in vitro inhibitor of the enzymes obtained from these brain regions. Mercaptoethanol, required for the stability of the enzyme, reversed the inhibition produced by disulfiram. The effect was greater for enzyme isolated from cytosol than from mitochondria. Calculations led to the prediction that aldehydes such as acetaldehyde are oxidized in cytosol.
Counting of paths and coefficients of the Hilbert polynomial of a determinantal ideal

Let X= [Xij]1⩽i⩽m1⩽i⩽n be an m × n of matrix of indeterminates over a field K. Abhyankar defines the index of a monomial in Xij to be the largest k such that the principal diagonal of some k × k minor of X divides the given monomial. Abhyankar has given a formula for counting the set of monomials in Xij of degree v of index at most p, satisfying a certain set of index conditions. This formula gives the Hilbert polynomial of a certain generalized determinantal ideal which can be viewed as a polynomial in v with rational coefficients. We develop a combinatorial map from this set of monomials to the set of p-tuples of nonintersecting paths in the m × n rectangular lattice of points. A path from (a, n) to (m, b) in a rectangular m × n array is obtained by moving either left or down at each point. The point where the path turns from down to left is called its node. Using the combinatorial map, we get formulae counting sets of p-tuples of nonintersecting paths having a fixed number of nodes in a rectangular lattice. This helps us to interpret ‘coefficients’ of Hilbert polynomials of generalized determinantal ideals combinatorially. This enables us to answer questions raised by Abhyankar in the monograph ‘Enumerative Combinatorics of Young Tableaux’.
Variable reference alignment: an improved peak alignment protocol for NMR spectral data with large intersample variation.

In an effort to address the variable correspondence problem across large sample cohorts common in metabolomic/metabonomic studies, we have developed a prealignment protocol that aims to generate spectral segments sharing a common target spectrum. Under the assumption that a single reference spectrum will not correctly represent all spectra of a data set, the goal of this approach is to perform local alignment corrections on spectral regions which share a common “most similar” spectrum. A natural beneficial outcome of this procedure is the automatic definition of spectral segments, a feature that is not common to all alignment methods. This protocol is shown to specifically improve the quality of alignment in 1H NMR data sets exhibiting large intersample compositional variation (e.g., pH, ionic strength). As a proof-of-principle demonstration, we have utilized two recently developed alignment algorithms specific to NMR data, recursive segment-wise peak alignment and interval correlated shifting, and applie...
Enhancing Peptide Identification Confidence by Combining Search Methods

Confident peptide identification is one of the most important components in mass-spectrometry-based proteomics. We propose a method to properly combine the results from different database search methods to enhance the accuracy of peptide identifications. The database search methods included in our analysis are SEQUEST (v27 rev12), ProbID (v1.0), InsPecT (v20060505), Mascot (v2.1), X! Tandem (v2007.07.01.2), OMSSA (v2.0) and RAId_DbS. Using two data sets, one collected in profile mode and one collected in centroid mode, we tested the search performance of all 21 combinations of two search methods as well as all 35 possible combinations of three search methods. The results obtained from our study suggest that properly combining search methods does improve retrieval accuracy. In addition to performance results, we also describe the theoretical framework which in principle allows one to combine many independent scoring methods including de novo sequencing and spectral library searches. The correlations among ...
Monte Carlo simulation of non-equilibrium segregation during crystal growth

Abstract Ising model simulations of the crystallization of two component mixtures have been performed for crystallization conditions both near and far from equilibrium. These simulations reproduce the phenomenon which has been termed ‘solute trapping’, where rapid crystallization results in crystals with concentrations which are far from equilibrium concentrations. Thermodynamic properties of Si doped with Bi have been used as a model alloy system in the simulations because there are extensive experimental results for these alloys. Simulations predict that crystallization far from equilibrium follows quite different rules from crystallization near equilibrium. This has significant implications for all first order phase changes in mixtures which take place under conditions which are far from equilibrium.
Approach-motivated positive affect and emotion regulation alter global–local focus and food choice

This study was designed to investigate how both the experience of approach-motivated positive affect and emotion regulation alter attentional focus and food choice. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Participants in the neutral group were asked to view a series of images that depicted everyday, non-emotional items. Participants in the other two groups viewed a series of images depicting appetizing desserts. One of these groups was asked to naturally view the dessert images, whereas the other group was instructed to reappraise their emotional responses to the delicious desserts (by thinking of the desserts’ negative qualities). Following exposure to the images, data were collected from participants (N = 115) in each of the three groups on global–local focus and subsequent snack selections. Compared to participants in the neutral group, participants who naturally viewed the dessert images evidenced a more local attentional focus on Navon’s (Cognit Psychol 9(3):353–383, 1977) letters task. Relative to those who naturally viewed the dessert images, participants asked to reappraise (down-regulate) to the dessert images evidenced a more global attentional focus and took significantly more healthy compared to unhealthy snacks. This is the first evidence indicating that the use of emotion regulation can alter the impact of approach motivated stimuli on subsequent global–local focus and eating behavior.
Increased thermoresistance developed during growth of small multicellular spheroids

Mammalian cells growing as multicell spheroids, an in vitro model of tumor microregions, have been shown previously to be more resistant than single cells from monolayer cultures to killing by ionizing radiation, hyperthermia, ultrasound, and chemotherapeutic drugs. Although the mechanisms by which cells in spheroids acquire these increased resistances are unknown, available evidence has indicated that intercellular contact mediates the process for ionizing radiation. This investigation was undertaken to evaluate the role of intercellular contact produced during growth of small spheroids on the sensitivity of EMT6/Ro mouse mammary tumor cells to moderate hyperthermia. Increased thermoresistance developed in small spheroids (approximately 70 micron diameter, 25 cells/spheroid), as measured by colony formation, after exposures to different temperatures in the range of 37 to 45 degrees C for periods less than or equal to 2 hr and at 42.5 degrees C for less than or equal to 8 hr. Experiments were performed to determine the relative contributions to this increased thermoresistance of 1) the extent of intercellular contact in spheroids of different cellular multiplicities, 2) differences in membrane damage influenced by trypsin heat treatment sequence, and 3) physiological changes associated with growth of cells as spheroids in suspension compared to monolayer culture. Treatment with trypsin prior to heating sensitized cells to killing by hyperthermia but did not account for the differential thermoresistance between cells from spheroids and monolayers. Spheroid multiplicity in the range of 1.16 to 76.2 cells/spheroid had no significant effect on cell survival after hyperthermia. However, cells grown in spinner suspension culture were more thermoresistant than cells from monolayer cultures and nearly as thermoresistant as cells in spheroids. From these data we conclude that the greater thermoresistance of EMT/Ro cells in spheroids is the result of cellular physiological changes associated with growth in suspension and is not mediated by intercellular contact.
Live cell single-molecule and superresolution imaging of proteins in bacteria

By providing spatial localization on the nanometer scale, eliminating the need for ensemble averaging, and permitting non-invasive intracellular investigations, single-molecule imaging has brought much insight to biophysics. A particularly enticing application for single-molecule imaging is the capability to investigate live cells and to examine structure and dynamics in the natural environment. To obtain true superresolution, control of the emission of the single molecules provides a way to maintain a sparse concentration of emitters for any frame so that sequential imaging leads to a final reconstruction with information beyond the optical diffraction limit. In this paper, we discuss several single-molecule- based fluorescence methods that are possible, and indeed often enabled, by having live cell specimens.
Closing the public health gap in Africa: Are we losing sight of our priorities?

Given a plethora of data and information that show high mortality and morbidity in Africa from preventable diseases, it appears that the public health agenda in Africa is not being given the prominence and attention it deserves. This article provides background to the problem, and calls on communities, governments, and international stakeholders to refocus their health plans and funding priorities to ensure that primary care and public health are not relegated to the rear in the pursuit of better health in Africa. Drug Dev Res 63:134–138, 2004. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of the closed circuit response of an on-chip thin film thermopile

The on-chip, closed circuit response of a thermopile with the Seebeck current as the sensory parameter has been reported in this paper. The thermopile was heated with a resistance temperature detector (RTD) at its hot junction. The temperature at its cold junction was higher than the ambient temperature, and was also found to be slightly but measurably different when the thermopile was operated in an electrically open mode as opposed to a closed mode. A user friendly analytical relation, based on a steady state, heat transfer model, is also provided. This model is used to study the non-linear dependence of the Seebeck current on the length of the thermocouple legs and also to estimate the power transferred from the RTD to the thermopile. The experimental work, backed by the simple model, is aimed at providing some insight in using a closed circuit on-chip thermopile not only as a temperature sensor but also as an electrical power generator.
Substituent effects on the decomposition of 1,2-dioxetanes: a Hammett correlation for substituted 1,6-diaryl-2,5,7,8-tetraoxabicyclo[4.2.0]octanes

Abstract Rates of decomposition for 1,2-dioxetanes obtained from addition of singlet oxygen to substituted 2,3-diaryl-1,4-dioxenes have been found to obey a Hammett relationship with ϱ + = −0.24 (n = 15, r = 0.92). The results are taken as support for a biradical mechanism.
ABILITY OF DEAF CHILDREN TO USE DIFFERENT WORD CLASSES.

A completion test based on 90 sentences sampled from second-grade readers was devised. One word was omitted from each sentence, the omitted word being chosen so that four lexical classes and six fu...
Old target new approach: an alternate NF-κB activation pathway via translation inhibition

Activation of the transcription factor NF-κB is a highly regulated multi-level process. The critical step during activation is the release from its inhibitor IκB, which as any other protein is under the direct influence of translation regulation. In this review, we summarize in detail the current understanding of the impact of translational regulation on NF-κB activation. We illustrate a newly developed mechanism of eIF2α kinase-mediated IκB depletion and subsequent NF-κB activation. We also show that the classical NF-κB activation pathways occur simultaneously with, and are complemented by, translational down regulation of the inhibitor molecule IκB, the importance of one or the other being shifted in accordance with the type and magnitude of the stressing agent or stimuli.
Connecting students to the real world: Developing gifted behaviors through service learning

Learning in today's classrooms can be disconnected from students' real world experiences. Providing students the opportunity to address real-world problems may provide avenues for students to engage in their communities while developing academic skills and knowledge. Additionally, for students whose interests are piqued by the nature of their community's problems, these activities have the potential to offer students meaningful, motivating work in a supportive environment. This article explores how providing students with interest-based service-learning opportunities may help them develop and demonstrate gifted behaviors. In addition, methods for integrating student interests and service-learning projects are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of fly ash/sewage sludge mixtures and application rates on biomass production

Abstract A greenhouse study was conducted to assess the use of a sewage sludge/fly ash mixture in soils for increased growth and uptake of nutrients by Sorghum vulgaris var. sudanense Hitchc. ("sorgrass"), a sorghum‐sudangrass hybrid plant. This experiment was conducted by using four sewage sludge‐to‐fly ash ratios (4:1, 4:2, 4:3, and 4:4) and six application rates of sewage sludge/fly ash mixtures to soil (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 tons/acre). The data in this study indicated that the availability of elements to plants varied depending on the mixture ratios and the application rates. All ratios of sewage sludge amended with fly ash generally improved plant growth and enhanced yield at application rates of 50–100 tons/acre but showed reduced growth and yield at higher application rates. The decrease in yield at higher application rates was probably due to the assimilation of high levels of boron which is phytotoxic. These various treatments of sewage sludge/fly ash ratios and rates of application ofte...
The relationship between social and hierarchical communication networks in rural emergency response

Natural or anthropogenic disasters affect individuals regardless of their ethnicity, social status, or other individual attributes or characteristics. However, the situation can be further complicated in the case of a local volunteer responder. Dual conflict can arise when the emergency volunteer is both a responder and in some way a victim. This dual conflict is especially prevalent in rural communities where the responder is a member of a tightknit community. Consequently, if a hierarchical communication network exists to cascade information to members of the emergency responders' system, we ask: how is the cascading of information affected by this dual obligation? This study examines the impact of such behaviour on information flow and time-to-knowledge for an ordered hierarchical network in competition with a social network. The model demonstrates the impact on information dissemination of both the structure of the responder hierarchy and the rate at which the responders fail to conform to that hierarchy.
Shape and representational status in children's early naming.

Why are ontological distinctions commonly ignored in ordinary language use? For example, why is a toy bear called a 'bear'? Jones and Smith argue that shape is central to the semantic representations of both children and adults (Jones, S.S., Smith, L.B., 1993. The place of perception in children's concepts. Cognitive Development 8, 113-139). In contrast, Soja et al. suggest that children do not rely on shape per se, but rather name representations, which are often indexed by shape (Soja, N.N., Carey, S., Spelke, E.S. 1992. Perception, ontology, and word meaning. Cognition 45, 101-107). Two studies were designed to test the latter hypothesis. Forty-seven children (2 years 5 months-3 years 11 months) and 32 adults participated. Each saw a series of line-drawings roughly shaped like various namable objects (e.g. a man). For half the participants, each line-drawing was described as depicting a shape that was created intentionally (e.g. someone painted a picture). For the remaining participants, each drawing was described as depicting a shape that was created accidentally (e.g. someone spilled some paint). Participants were simply asked to name each picture. We hypothesized that subjects would use shape as the basis of naming primarily when the shapes were intentional (and thus plausibly representations). The findings supported the predictions, for both children and adults. These results suggest that, although shape does play an important role in children's early naming, other factors are also important, including the mental state of the picture's creator (intentional vs. not). Thus, the data suggest that from an early age, children's picture naming incorporates their theory of mind.
Of what value is history

Of what value can a study of the history of his art be to the engineer? The wise man in any field can profit by examples from the past. For the scientist especially, the history books can teach much of the trials and errors of creative thinking, and indeed may point the way toward new paths to as yet unexplored realms of knowledge.
The impact of racial stereotypes on eating disorder recognition

Objective Eating disorders are commonly believed to affect Caucasian women more so than other women. The authors examined whether participants recognize disturbed eating symptoms to a lesser degree in an African American or Hispanic female compared with a Caucasian female. Method A sample of 160 undergraduate students of different ethnic backgrounds read a passage about an adolescent girl who displayed eating disorder symptoms. Participants received one of three passages; the passages differed only regarding the girl's race (African American, Caucasian, or Hispanic). Participants completed questionnaires used to reveal possible racial stereotypes about eating disorders. Results The study found that the race of the adolescent girl had a significant impact on detection of disturbed eating patterns, such that participants recognized the eating disorder more when they read about a Caucasian girl than when they read about a minority girl (Hispanic or African American). Discussion The results have implications for public awareness of eating disorders, as well as clinical implications for work with eating disorder patients from various ethnic backgrounds. © 2002 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 32: 219–224, 2002.
Workplace Control: Women and Minority Workers in America

In this paper, we examine the effects of gender and race on American workers’ workplace control. Scholarship on gender, work, and occupation states that gender and race are important predictors of the extent of control workers exercise in workplaces. Literature also posits that job satisfaction and work-family conflict also contribute substantially to workers’ workplace control. However, there exists hardly any empirical study that explores the impacts of gender, race, job satisfaction and work-family conflict altogether on their workplace control. That is what we accomplished in this study. Obtaining data from the 2008 National Study of Changing Workforce (NSCW), we ask: 1) Do women and men workers in America differ in their perceptions of workplace control? 2) Do non-white and white workers in America differ in their perceptions of workplace control? And 3) Do gender and race of the workers influence their workplace control when job satisfaction and work-family conflict are considered? Analyses are based on quantitative methods. Results show that women perceive to have less control over their workplace as compared to men. Moreover, job satisfaction is a more significant predictor of their workplace control than work-family spillover.
Microorganism selection and performance in bioslurry reactors treating PAH-contaminated soil

A continuous-flow reactor (CSTR) and a soil slurry-sequencing batch reactor (SS-SBR) were operated in 81 vessels for 200 days to treat a soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Filtered slurry samples were used to quantify bulk biosurfactant concentrations and PAH emulsification. Concentrations of Corynebacterium aquaticum, Flavobacterium mizutaii, Mycobacterium gastri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Pseudomonas putida were determined using fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis. The CSTR and SS-SBR selected microbial consortia with markedly different surfactant-producing and PAH-degrading abilities. Biosurfactant levels in the SS-SBR reached 4 times the critical micelle concentration (CMC) that resulted in considerable emulsification of PAH. In contrast, CSTR operation resulted in nomeasurable biosurfactant production. Total PAH removal efficiency was 93% in the SS-SBR, compared with only 66% in the CSTR, and stripping of PAH was 3 times less in the SS-SBR. Reversing the mode of operation on day 100 caused a complete reversal in microbial consortia and in reactor performance by day 140. These results show that bioslurry reactor operation can be manipulated to control overall reactor performance.