cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estradiol-17β stimulates basal and thyrotropin releasing hormone induced prolactin secretion by bovine pituitary cells in primary culture

Abstract A series of experiments were conducted which demonstrate that estradiol-17β directly affects bovine pituitary cells in primary culture causing an increase in basal and thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin secretion. Prolactin release by pituitary cells incubated with TRH at concentrations of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 ng/ml increased linearly with increasing log concentrations. Exposure of pituitary cells to 5, 50 or 500 ng/ml estradiol for 4 h did not affect basal or TRH-induced prolactin release. However, when the period of exposure to estradiol was prolonged to 6, 12, or 24 h, 0.5, 5 or 50 ng estradiol/ml medium caused pituitary cells to release more prolactin and there was more total prolactin in the system (medium +cell content) than for comparable controls. These increases were linearly related to increasing log concentrations of estradiol used. To determine the chronic effect of estradiol on prolactin secretion, pituitary cells were incubated with estradiol-17β for 11 days during which medium was collected at 24 h intervals beginning on day 3. On day 3, prolactin accumulation in medium of control cultures averaged 2.5 ng/ml, and decreased gradually reaching relatively low levels by day 11 (100 ng/ml). Although prolactin secretion decreased during the culture period, stimulatory effects of estradiol were evident throughout. In addition, these cells still released prolactin in response to TRH (1 ng/ml) on day 11 and magnitude of TRH-induced prolactin release increased with increasing concentrations of estradiol-17β. We conclude that estradiol will increase basal and TRH-induced prolactin release by bovine lactotrophs. These results are consistent with the view that the increase in estradiol that occurs at the end of pregnancy in cattle, may participate in the prolactin surge that occurs at parturition in this species.
The effects of perfusion on the synthesis and release of blood proteins by diapausing pupae of the Cecropia silkworm

Abstract The present report examines factors that regulate the rates of blood protein synthesis and rlease in the Cecropia silkworm. Techniques are described which permit measurements of the concentration and rates of synthesis of individual blood proteins. A novel feature of the experiments was an analysis of the effects of perfusion. Diapausing pupae were perfused with Ringer's solution until their blood contained only one-sixth of the original protein content. The reconstitution of the protein components in the blood was followed over several weeks by acrylamide gel electrophoresis, densitometry, and isotope incorporation. This reconstitution was accomplished by two principal mechanisms. One mechanism was the continued synthesis and release of the major protein components found normally in pupal blood. Another mechanism was the synthesis and release of proteins (possibly larval) not normally found in pupal blood. Within a week after perfusion these new proteins accounted for about 30 per cent of the total blood proteins. It was discovered that there were no pupal-specific blood proteins: all blood proteins found in the pupa were also found in larva or adult.
The bit pattern effect on all-optical clock recovery using tank circuits and birefringent resonators

In this paper we discuss the bit pattern effect on optical clock signals recovered using tank circuits and using birefringent resonators. For the first time we compare the bit pattern dependence of the clock signals recovered from both schemes. We show that a birefringent resonator can recover the clock for the same number of consecutive zeros as the optical tank circuit. We also show quantitatively that the fluctuation of the clock signal amplitude is less for the birefringent resonator than the optical tank circuit. These results are obtained numerically and confirmed experimentally.
Development of a novel screening device permitting immunocytochemical screening of numerous culture supernatants during hybridoma production.

Abstract A novel screening device is described which permits the simultaneous immunocytochemical processing of several hundreds or even thousands of hybridoma culture supernatants. The core of the screening apparatus is a foam-coated polymer plate that carries a 96-well pattern representing a modification of the actual 96-well template. This modification permits the use of conventional 26 × 76 mm microscopy glass slides. Each of these slides carries 24 carefully arranged histological sections. One 96-well plate is thus screened by mounting four of these slides in the apparatus during the primary antibody (i.e., culture supernatant) incubation stage. At all other stages of the immunocytochemical protocol, the slides are processed in the classical way. The screening apparatus has been used during the production of monoclonal antibodies against chicken pituitary glycoprotein hormones and against bovine neurohypophyseal peptides. In both instances, it proved to be the major contributory factor in the successful production of antibodies.
Partitioned data objects in distributed databases

In many distributed databases “locality of reference” is crucial to achieve acceptable performance. However, the purpose of data distribution is to spread the data among several remote sites. One way to solve this contradiction is to use partitioned data techniques. Instead of accessing the entire data, a site works on a fraction that is made locally available, thereby increasing the site's autonomy. We present a theory of partitioned data that formalizes the concept and establishes the basis to develop a correctness criterion and a concurrency control protocol for partitioned databases. Set-serializability is proposed as a correctness criterion and we suggest an implementation that integrates partitioned and non-partitioned data. To complete this study, the policies required in a real implementation are also analyzed.
Epidemiologic analysis of maternal factors and amniotic band defects

BACKGROUND The group of defects identified as amniotic bands includes amnion rupture sequence (ARS) and body wall complex (BWC). Little is known about risk factors for either ARS or BWC, except that maternal age has been shown to affect risk inversely. METHODS The present analysis used data collected from 1976 to 1998 as part of an ongoing case control study of birth defects in the metropolitan areas of Boston, Philadelphia, and Toronto. There were 73 cases with ARS and 11 cases with BWC. ARS cases were further subdivided according to affected structures: there were 53 with only limbs affected (ARS-L) and 20 with nonlimb defects with or without limb defects (ARS-NL). The control group comprised 12,227 subjects with other major malformations. Mothers were interviewed within 6 months of delivery about demographic, reproductive, medical, and behavioral factors. RESULTS Multivariate adjusted odds ratios for BWC were increased more than threefold for maternal age < 25 years and maternal education < 12 years, but neither estimate was statistically significant. Corresponding estimates for ARS-L and ARS-NL ranged from 1.3 to 1.5 and also were not statistically significant. Cases were less likely to be white non-Hispanic than controls and the odds ratio for ARS-NL excluded the null. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio (MVOR) for unplanned pregnancy and BWC was 1.9 (95% confidence interval, 0.5–6.7) compared to 1.2 and 1.0 for ARS-L and ARS-NL, respectively. Neither parity nor maternal smoking was associated with any case group. The MVORs for first trimester acetaminophen use in relation to ARS-L and ARS-NL risks were 2.1 (1.1–3.9) and 3.4 (1.1–10.3), respectively. Such use was less common among BWC cases (MVOR was 0.4; 0.1–1.4). CONCLUSIONS Risk estimates tended to be similar for ARS-L and ARS-NL cases but different for BWC cases, suggesting different etiologies. These data suggest that young maternal age, low maternal education, unplanned pregnancy, and non-white/non-Hispanic race/ethnicity might increase the risk of BWC in offspring. Increased risks for acetaminophen use should be interpreted with caution because they may be confounded by indication for use. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 67:68–72, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Ultra-low-temperature cooling of two-dimensional electron gas

Abstract A new design has been used for cooling GaAs/AlxGa1−xAs sample to ultra-low-temperatures. The sample, with electrical contacts directly soldered to the sintered silver powder heat exchangers, was immersed in liquid 3 He , which was cooled by a PrNI5 nuclear refrigerator. The data analysis shows that the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) was cooled to 4.0 mK at the refrigerator base temperature Tb of 2.0 mK . The design with heat exchanger cooling is applicable to any ultra-low-temperature transport measurements of 2DEG system.
Synthesis, X-ray crystallography, and computational analysis of 1-azafenestranes.

The tandem [4+2]/[3+2] cycloaddition of nitroalkenes has been employed in the synthesis of 1-azafenestranes, molecules of theoretical interest because of planarizing distortion of their central carbon atoms. The synthesis of c,c,c,c-[5.5.5.5]-1-azafenestrane was completed in good yield from a substituted nitrocyclopentene, and its borane adduct was analyzed through X-ray crystallography, which showed a moderate distortion from ideal tetrahedral geometry. The syntheses of two members of the [4.5.5.5] family of 1-azafenestranes are also reported, including one with a trans fusion at a bicyclic ring junction which brings about considerable planarization of one of the central angles (16.8° deviation from tetrahedral geometry). While investigating the [4.5.5.5]-1-azafenestranes, a novel dyotropic rearrangement that converts nitroso acetals into tetracyclic aminals was discovered. Through conformational analysis, a means to prevent this molecular reorganization was formulated and realized experimentally with th...
SUSTAINED DEPRESSOR EFFECT OF RENAL MEDULLARY EXTRACT IN THE NORMOTENSIVE RAT.

Crude homogenates of rabbit, medulla produced a sustained depression of blood pressure when injected intravenously into the normotensive, anesthetized, pentolinium-treated rat. Similar activity was present in rat medulla, but not in extracts of renin-free cortex or certain nonrenal tissues. The sustained depressor activity of medulary extract possessed different physiological and chemical characteristics from the shortacting nucleotide depressor activity which is present in both cortical and medullary extracts. In addition, prolonged medullary depressor activity was separable from medullary nucleotide activity by column chromatography. The activity responsible for sustained depressor activity was a dialyzable, ethanol soluble, low molecular weight(<4500 mol wt) substance(s) which was resistant to a mixture of peptide hydrolases and destroyed by heating for one hour at 100°C.
What's Love Got To Do With It?: Rethinking Common Sense Assumptions

One of the most basic tasks in introductory social science classes is to get students to reexamine their common sense assumptions concerning human behavior. This article introduces a shared assignment developed for a learning community that paired an introductory sociology and psychology class. The assignment challenges students to rethink the widespread belief that romantic love is a natural, normal, and inevitable part of the human condition and then encourages them to begin to use the principles of empirical research to examine the phenomena of romantic love.
Surface Coating Technique for Revealing Grain Structures in Alumina

An alternative technique, not involving heat treatment, has been found to be useful in studying the microstructures of some commercial polycrystalline alumina envelopes used for sodium-vapor lamps.
Using PPT to account for randomness in perception

According to many theories of decision making, of which signal detection theory is the most prominent, randomness is the main factor responsible for imperfect performance. These theories imply that correcting for attenuation due to randomness should result in perfect scores as long as the participants use nonextreme decision criteria. On the basis of a recent advance termed potential performance theory (Trafimow & Rice, Psychological Review 115:447-462, 2008), we performed auditory and visual detection experiments and corrected the scores for attenuation. Most participants in both experiments tended to perform at a less-than-perfect level, even after their scores were corrected. The findings demonstrate that at least one systematic factor influences detection that is not included in signal detection theory.
ADAPT: A framework for coscheduling multithreaded programs

Since multicore systems offer greater performance via parallelism, future computing is progressing towards use of multicore machines with large number of cores. However, the performance of emerging multithreaded programs often does not scale to fully utilize the available cores. Therefore, simultaneously running multiple multithreaded applications becomes inevitable to fully exploit the computing potential of such machines. However, maximizing the performance and throughput on multicore machines in the presence of multiple multithreaded programs is a challenge for the OS. We have observed that the state-of-the-art contention management algorithms fail to effectively coschedule multithreaded programs on multicore machines. To address the above challenge, we present ADAPT, a scheduling framework that continuously monitors the resource usage of multithreaded programs and adaptively coschedules them such that they interfere with each other's performance as little as possible. In addition, ADAPT selects appropriate memory allocation and scheduling policies according to the workload characteristics. We have implemented ADAPT on a 64-core Supermicro server running Solaris 11 and evaluated it using 26 multithreaded programs including the TATP database application, SPECjbb2005, and programs from Phoenix, PARSEC, and SPEC OMP suites. The experimental results show that ADAPT substantially improves total turnaround time and system utilization relative to the default Solaris 11 scheduler.
Form and Function of Communicative Behaviour Among Persons with Severe Developmental Disabilities

Expanded data bases and theoretical models regarding prelinguistic communication develop ment have important implications for research and clinical practice with severely developmentally disabled individuals. This paper summarises major revisions in our understanding of the early development of communication forms and functions during the prelinguistic period. The authors propose a six-stage account of this developmental process, and a taxonomy of early communicative functions that is applicable to the population of individuals with severe develop mental disabilites. These classification systems were applied in two studies that investigated the relationship between form and function in the Communicative behaviors of 33 nonverbal, severely mentally retarded subjects. ranging in age from 8 to 21 years. The procedures and results of these studies are summarised. Findings from these studies suggest that both overall rate of intentional communication behaviours and diversity of communication functions covary w...
Participant- and Study-Related Characteristics Predicting Treatment Completion and Study Retention in an Adolescent Smoking Cessation Trial

Abstract Purpose To determine which factors predict smoking cessation treatment completion and retention among adolescents. Methods In a multisite, randomized, controlled trial, the efficacy of motivational interviewing was compared with structured brief advice for smoking cessation and reduction in adolescents (n = 355) aged 14–18 years (55% female, 45% black, 12% Hispanic). Treatment spanned 12 weeks, with follow-up assessments at 24 weeks. Treatment completion was defined as completion of all five counseling sessions. Study retention was defined as completing the 24-week assessment. Participant and study variables served as predictors of treatment completion and retention. Results In all, 79% of participants completed all five counseling sessions and the same percent completed the 24-week assessment. Black race, precontemplation stage to cut back, and shorter length of time between the baseline assessment and the first counseling session were significantly associated with treatment completion. For every 7.5-day delay in starting treatment after the baseline visit, there was a 50% decrease in the odds of completing all five treatment sessions. Retention at 24 weeks was predicted by black race, younger age, greater maternal education, expectations of graduating college, and structured brief advice intervention. Conclusions High rates of treatment completion and study retention can be achieved in a multisession, behavioral intervention for adolescent smoking cessation. Findings suggest that treatment should begin soon after the intake session to maximize treatment completion. Enhanced efforts to retain older adolescents and youth with lower academic goals and lower family income will be important in future studies.
Scaling theory of diffusion in the presence of large traps.

A simple scaling argument is given for the survival probability of a particle executing a random walk in the presence of randomly distributed large overlapping traps of an arbitrary concentration. The probability is obtained as a function of the number of the random steps and the trap size in two and three dimensions, yielding reasonable agreement with the results of recent analyses in three dimensions.
Thermoregulatory profile of a newer genetic line of pigs

Researchers and producers alike have noted the increased susceptibility to heat stress exhibited by the newer genetic lines of pigs. A study was conducted to gather baseline information on the effects of acute heat stress on total heat production (THP), respiratory quotient (RQ), respiration rate (RR), and rectal temperature (Trectal) and to investigate the dynamic interaction of these parameters in growing–finishing barrows. Sixteen moderate–lean growth barrows were randomly assigned to a set of treatments as dictated by a repeated 4×4 Latin square crossover design. Pigs were moved from an individual pen to an indirect calorimeter where one of four environmental treatments (18, 24, 28, 32°C) were applied for 20 h. During the treatment exposure RR, THP, RQ and Trectal were measured. For the 2-week period between treatments, pigs were housed at thermoneutral (22°C). THP was found to be 17–20% higher than the published standards but comparable with other contemporary studies. Respiration rate was found to be a leading indicator of stress.
Expression Cloning and Characterization of ROAT1 THE BASOLATERAL ORGANIC ANION TRANSPORTER IN RAT KIDNEY

Abstract Expression cloning in Xenopus laevisoocytes was used to isolate an organic anion transport protein from rat kidney. A cDNA library was constructed from size-fractionated poly(A)+ RNA and screened for probenecid-sensitive transport of p-aminohippurate (PAH). A 2,227-base pair cDNA clone containing a 1,656-base pair open reading frame coding for a peptide 551 amino acids long was isolated and named ROAT1. ROAT1-mediated transport of 50 μm [3H]PAH was independent of imposed changes in membrane potential. Transport was significantly inhibited at 4 °C, or upon incubation with other organic anions, but not by the organic cation tetraethylammonium, by the multidrug resistance ATPase inhibitor cyclosporin A, or by urate. External glutarate and α-ketoglutarate (1 mm), both counterions for basolateral PAH exchange, also inhibited transport, suggesting that ROAT1 is functionally similar to the basolateral PAH carrier. Consistent with this conclusion, PAH uptake was trans-stimulated in oocytes preloaded with glutarate, whereas the dicarboxylate methylsuccinate, which is not accepted by the basolateral exchanger, did nottrans-stimulate. Finally, ROAT1-mediated PAH transport was saturable, with an estimated K m of 70 μm. Each of these properties is identical to those previously described for the basolateral α-ketoglutarate/PAH exchanger in isolated membrane vesicles or intact renal tubules.
Experimental methods for environment and development economics

Many poor countries remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. Understanding how people react to existing and proposed solutions most likely can be improved using the methods of experimental economics. Experiments provide researchers a method to test theory, look for patterns of behavior, testbed economic institutions and incentives, and to educate people. Herein we explore how experimental economics has been used and could be used to help guide decision making to increase prosperity without overexploiting the resource base and environmental assets needed for basic survival.
Distinct effects of CD30 and Fas signaling in cutaneous anaplastic lymphomas: a possible mechanism for disease progression.

Lymphomatoid papulosis is part of a spectrum of CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders characterized by spontaneous tumor regression. The mechanism(s) of regression is unknown. In a recent study, a selective increase in CD30 ligand expression in regressing lesions of lymphomatoid papulosis and cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphoma was shown, suggesting that activation of the CD30 signaling pathway may be responsible for tumor regression, whereas no difference in Fas/Fas ligand expression was found between regressing and nonregressing lesions. Therefore we tested the effects of CD30 and Fas activation on three CD30+ cutaneous lymphoma cell lines (Mac-1, Mac-2 A, JK) derived from nonregressing tumors of two patients who had progressed from lymphomatoid papulosis to systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. To evaluate the effects of CD30 signaling, the cell lines were incubated with a CD30 agonistic antibody, HeFi-1. Proliferative responses, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor κB activities were determined with and without CD30 activation. Mac-1 and Mac-2 A showed increased proliferative responses to incubation with CD30 activating antibody, HeFi-1. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase activity caused growth inhibition of the Mac-1, Mac-2 A, and JK cell lines. Activation of the Fas pathway induced apoptosis in all three cell lines. Taken together, these findings suggest that resistance to CD30-mediated growth inhibition provides a possible mechanism for escape of cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma from tumor regression. Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of advanced cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Electronic Structure Evidence for All-Trans Poly(methylvinylidene cyanide)

On the basis of a comparison of theoretical quantum calculations, by both semiempirical and ab initio methods, with photoemission and inverse photoemission results, we suggest that polymethylvinylidenecyanide (PMVC) adopts an all-trans conformation with few, if any, alternating trans-gauche carbon–carbon bond arrangements. The comparison of theory with the available photoemission and inverse photoemission excludes the presence of a significant fraction of gauche bonds in the polymer chains, indicative of the all-trans conformation, with dipoles all aligned. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Modal attenuation in multilayered coated waveguides

Propagation and attenuation constants of low-order normal modes in a circular waveguide lined with lossy coating layers are calculated using a generalized dispersion equation. It is found that the use of multilayered coating can significantly enhance modal attenuations over a broader frequency range compared to that for a single-layer coated structure. For a cylinder with radius a=2 lambda , the attenuation constants for the dominant modes are shown to increase by 20 dB per a by adding a lossless padding layer to a lossy magnetic coating. Application of this result in radar cross-section (RCS) reduction is discussed. >
Facial Trust Appraisal Negatively Biased in Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by unstable interpersonal relationships and intense concerns regarding abandonment and rejection. Previous studies suggest that these and other symptoms of BPD may have their origin in a greater appraisal of untrustworthiness in others. However, it is not known whether this is a result of a heightened sensitivity to trust related stimuli, an improved ability to discriminate between such stimuli, or a response bias. Furthermore, impairment in facial fear appraisal may influence trust appraisal. Healthy controls and individuals diagnosed with BPD appraised human faces that were parametrically varied along either a trust or fear dimension. The BPD group exhibited a response bias to rate the untrustworthiness of facial stimuli higher compared to controls, but there were no significant differences in the discriminability or sensitivity of trustworthiness between groups. Furthermore, ambiguous trust decisions were associated with longer response times (RTs) in individuals with BPD relative to controls. Individuals with BPD have a facial appraisal bias specific to untrustworthiness that does not co-occur with impairments in the appraisal of fear.
Design of man&#8212;Computer interfaces for on-line interactive systems

An attempt is made to integrate a wide range of material into a conceptual structure for the design of man-computer interfaces for on-line interactive systems. Typical roles for the human in man-computer systems are considered. Suggestions for the design of systems are developed in discussions of displays and input devices, visual information processing, and mathematical models of human behavior. Possible developments and avenues of research in man-computer systems are suggested.
Impact of Nonfiber Carbohydrate on Intake, Digestion, and Milk Production by Dairy Cows

Four concentrations of dietary nonfiber carbohydrate (42, 36, 30, and 24%) were evaluated using eight multiparous Holstein cows (662 kg of BW; 63 DIM) in replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares with 28-d periods. Shelled corn and soybean meal were partially replaced with wheat middlings, dried brewers grains, and soy hulls to formulate 36, 30, and 24% nonfiber carbohydrate diets. Decreasing dietary nonfiber carbohydrate decreased DMI, did not affect actual or fat-corrected milk production, increased milk fat percentage, and decreased milk protein percentage and production. Apparent total tract DM and OM digestibilities were highest for 36% and lowest for 24% nonfiber carbohydrate diets. Digestibility of NDF was lowest for the 42% nonfiber carbohydrate diet. Ruminal pH and acetate:propionate increased, and total VFA concentrations decreased, as dietary nonfiber carbohydrate decreased. Ruminal degradation of alfalfa hay DM and NDF were higher for low nonfiber carbohydrate diets. Significant depression of DMI (.9 to 1.8 kg/d) coincided with dietary nonfiber carbohydrate concentration at or below 30%. Results indicate that diets for cows producing 40 kg/d should contain more than 30% nonfiber carbohydrate and suggest little benefit of 42 over 36% nonfiber carbohydrate diets.
Solon Toothaker Kimball (1909–1982)

Solon T. Kimball died peacefully at home on October 12, 1982, after an intermittent struggle with heart disease. At age 73, he still had many projects to complete. Our discipline loses fresh and vigorous work in them, and we lose a scholar and friend in Kimball. He was a pioneer in community studies, applied anthropology, anthropology and education, and anthropology and modern life. An early student of functionalism, he extended that paradigm to all his diverse interests. Born and raised in Manhat-
Does the amount of filler content in sealants used to prevent decalcification on smooth enamel surfaces really matter

Abstract Objective: To determine how filler content and an acidic environment affect the retention of sealants placed on smooth enamel surfaces. Materials and Methods: A sample of 120 teeth was randomly divided into six subsamples. Three experimental sealants with identical formulas, with the exception of the amount of filler content (18%, 30%, 50%), were applied according to manufacturers' recommendations. Half of the subsamples were exposed to an acid environment (pH of 2.5) for 96 hours. With the use of a tooth-brushing simulator, each tooth was exposed to 15,000 brushing strokes, while a slurry of 1∶3 toothpaste/neutral sodium bicarbonate cycled through the machine. Initial and final photographs were analyzed subjectively and objectively. Scanning electron microscope photomicrographs were used to evaluate the tooth surface. Results: Subjective analyses showed significant (P < .05) filler effects, with the 18% filled sealant showing the least change, followed by the 30% sealant, then the 50% filled sea...
Organ-specific localization and molecular properties of three soluble invertases from Lilium longiflorum flower buds

Three soluble invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) isoforms from Easter lily (Lilium longiflorum Thunb. cv. Nellie White) flower buds were purified to apparent homogeneity. Non-denaturing PAGE showed one band for all three invertases that corresponded to the invertase activity. SDS-PAGE of purified invertase I gave a single band at 78 kDa, whereas invertases II and III gave three bands at 54, 52 and 24 kDa. Antibodies against tomato fruit acid invertase and Urtica dioica leaf acid invertase recognized all three invertase isoforms, whereas antibodies against wheat coleoptile acid invertase recognized only 56- and 54-kDa bands of invertases II and III. Antibodies against wheat coleoptile invertase recognized the 54- and 52-kDa proteins from crude extracts of all flower organs, and a 72-kDa protein in both leaf and bulb scale extracts. All three invertases bound to Con-A peroxidase. Deglycosylation of invertase I with glycopeptidase F was complete and resulted in a peptide of 75 kDa. Invertases II and III were deglycosylated partially by glycopeptidase F and resulted in proteins of 53, 51, 50 and 22 kDa. Invertase I was localized only in anther and filament, whereas the other two isoforms were present in all flower organs.
Electrochemical Synthesis and Nanofabrication of Materials for Magnetic and Ultrasound Sensors Application

We present the new approach to synthesize materials and nanostructures with application for magnetic field and ultrasound sensing. Our results indicate that electrodeposition at the nanoscale electrode geometry (nanocontacts) is an effective process that can deliver the ferromagnetic metal/oxide materials with desired composition and properties. These materials are the essential part of the nanocontact based device architecture which is investigated as the model system for magnetic filed sensor application. As an opposite process to electrodeposition, the dealloying i.e. a selective metal dissolution is used as fabrication process to create a high surface to volume ratio nanoporous metal structures. These structures are used as capacitive transducer for ultrasound sensor application. We present the preliminary results which demonstrate that thin layer - of nanoporous metal electrodes can be used as an inexpensive sensing device for ultrasound in electrolytes.
Reproduction of invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and the arithmetic of an extermination strategy

Ecological restorations often require removal of invasive species. The abundance of invasives has tended to catalyze research emphasizing removal, not broader understandings, of species mechanisms for persistence in the landscape (e.g. reproductive output and seed dispersal). Asiatic shrub honeysuckles (Lonicera spp.) are pernicious invaders throughout eastern North America. Heavy tree canopy cover apparently reduces growth and reproductive output in Lonicera maackii, which is widespread through the lower Midwestern United States. To help focus control efforts more effectively, we quantified the effect of tree canopy cover on vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit production under three canopy densities. Mean vegetative growth of flowering shoots was not affected by canopy cover. All aspects of sexual reproduction (flower production, fruit set, fruit number, fruit mass, seed number, and seed size) were strongly reduced by moderate shade. Although all individuals modify community and ecosystem properties, a limited number of high light individuals might also provide the greatest proportion of the seeds. Through model simulation of honeysuckle population structure in relation to canopy cover, we argue that it can sometimes be more efficient to initially target reproductive individuals in the high light edge and interior gap environments than to immediately focus on all individuals in the forest interior.
The E3 ligase Itch is a negative regulator of the homeostasis and function of hematopoietic stem cells

Although hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the most thoroughly characterized type of adult stem cell, the intricate molecular machinery that regulates their self-renewal properties remains elusive. Here we showed that the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch negatively regulated the development and function of HSCs. Itch(-/-) mice had HSCs with enhanced frequency, competence and long-term repopulating activity. Itch-deficient HSCs showed accelerated proliferation rates and sustained progenitor properties, as well as more signaling by the transcription factor Notch1, due to more accumulation of activated Notch1. Knockdown of Notch1 in Itch-mutant HSCs resulted in reversion of the phenotype. Thus, we identify Itch as a previously unknown negative regulator of HSC homeostasis and function.
The origins and implications of Aluternative splicing

Abstract Ten percent of the human genome is composed of highly repetitive DNA sequences called Alu elements. It has recently been found that at least 5% of all human alternative exons are derived from Alu elements. Moreover, single nucleotide mutations can convert either alternative or otherwise silent Alu elements into constitutive exons and this can lead to the development of human disease. These results provide new insights into the function and dangers of ‘junk DNA' in the human genome.
The Logic of Categorization

The AI system NARS contains a categorization model, in the sense that categorization and reasoning are two aspects of the same mechanism. As a theory of categorization, the NARS model unifies several existing theories. In this paper, the logic used in NARS is briefly described, and the categorization model is compared with the others.
Polyfaceted Psychological Acculturation in Cook Islanders

Data on acculturation were collected from five groups of Cook Islanders who have been differentially exposed to traditional and Western (New Zealand) influences: Residents of a small, outer island; residents of the much larger capital island; Cook Islanders who have migrated to New Zealand, and others who were born in New Zealand; and non-Cook Island New Zealanders. Comparison of the groups demonstrated differential general acculturation in association with differential exposure to Western ways, except that migrants to New Zealand reaffirmed some features of the traditional culture more than subjects living on the capital island. In addition to general acculturation, however, there were large individual differences in patterns of acculturation on different measures, demonstrating the importance of psychological acculturation and the polyfaceted nature of this acculturation.
A developmental perspective on the ideal of reason in American constitutional law.

The ideal of reason is central to contemporary accounts of citizenship in American constitutional law. The individual capacity for reasoned choice lies closely aligned with the constitutional values of personal liberty and democratic self-government as they have evolved in Supreme Court decisions over the past century. Yet as presently conceived, the ideal of reason in constitutional law overlooks the process by which individuals actually acquire the capacity to choose their own values and commitments or to engage in reasoned thinking about collective ends. This paper argues that we cannot hope to sustain and foster a constitutional polity committed to the principles of individual liberty and democratic self-government without knowing something about how individual citizens come to possess this requisite skill of mind. A developmental perspective on reason in constitutional law provides a framework for examining the source and contours of the psychological skills that make it possible to lead an autonomous, self directed life and to participate meaningfully in the processes of democratic self-government. Developmental psychology, together with research in related fields, provides empirical support for the proposition that the psychological capacity for reasoned thinking has its roots in the early caregiving relationship. Thus, a comprehensive and integrated constitutional family law must recognize the role of early caregiving in the political socialization of children. This developmental approach offers a substantial reworking of constitutional doctrine in the areas of family privacy, parental rights, congressional power, and affirmative welfare rights.
Evidence for a novel functional role of astrocytes in the acute homeostatic response to high-fat diet intake in mice.

Objective Introduction of a high-fat diet to mice results in a period of voracious feeding, known as hyperphagia, before homeostatic mechanisms prevail to restore energy intake to an isocaloric level. Acute high-fat diet hyperphagia induces astrocyte activation in the rodent hypothalamus, suggesting a potential role of these cells in the homeostatic response to the diet. The objective of this study was to determine physiologic role of astrocytes in the acute homeostatic response to high-fat feeding.
Impacts of US federal energy efficiency standards for residential appliances

This study estimated energy, environmental, and consumer impacts of US federal residential energy efficiency standards taking effect in the 1988–2007 period. These standards have been the subject of indepth analyses conducted as part of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) standards rulemaking process. This study drew on those analyses, but updated key data and developed a common framework and assumptions for all of the products. We estimate that the considered standards will reduce residential primary energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 8–9% in 2020 compared to the levels expected without any standards. The standards will save a cumulative total of 26–32 EJ (25–30 quads) by the year 2015, and 63 EJ (60 quads) by 2030. The estimated cumulative net present value of consumer benefit amounts to nearly US$80 billion by 2015, and grows to US$130 billion by 2030. The overall benefit/cost ratio of cumulative consumer impacts in the 1987–2050 period is 2.75:1. The cumulative cost of the DOE’s program to establish and implement the standards is in the range of US$200–US$250 million. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
Treatment resistance and other complicating factors in the management of schizophrenia

Treatment resistance, along with its sibling partial response, remains a common phenomenon in schizophrenia, complicating the disability burden inherent in the disease. Antipsychotic medications are the mainstay of treatment, and treatment resistance has mainly been defined in terms of poor response to antipsychotic medication. At the same time, clozapine, the most effective antipsychotic, remains underutilized at the expense of exposing patients to polypharmacy. We review known causes of disability in schizophrenia, how they impact various areas of everyday functioning, and discuss potential treatment options including but not limited to pharmacological approaches aimed at maximizing treatment response and reducing treatment resistance.
Use of Rome II criteria in childhood defecation disorders: applicability in clinical and research practice.

Abstract Objectives To evaluate the prevalence of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders with the use of the Rome II criteria and to compare these data with the classic Iowa criteria. Study design Patients recorded defecation and encopresis frequency. A standard history was taken and a physical examination including a rectal examination was done. The prevalence of both criteria was assessed and compared. Results One hundred ninety-eight consecutive patients (age, 0.66 to 15.76 years; 131 male subjects) were included. According to the Rome II criteria, 64%, 18%, and 21% of patients fulfilled the criteria for functional constipation, functional fecal retention, and functional nonretentive fecal soiling, respectively. Using the classic criteria, 74% and 18% of patients fulfilled the criteria for pediatric constipation and solitary encopresis, respectively; 16% of the patients fulfilling the pediatric constipation criteria were not recognized by the Rome II constipation criteria. Fair agreement was found between functional nonretentive fecal soiling and solitary encopresis. Encopresis was present in 79% of constipated children. Conclusions The Rome criteria are restrictive and exclude several children with constipation. We recommend including encopresis and rectal digital examination and excluding arbitrary age limits and retentive behavior in the revision of the Rome criteria.
Nanoparticle-based combination therapy toward overcoming drug resistance in cancer

The use of multiple therapeutic agents in combination has become the primary strategy to treat drug resistant cancers. However, administration of combinatorial regimens is limited by the varying pharmacokinetics of different drugs, which results in inconsistent drug uptake and suboptimal drug combination at the tumor sites. Conventional combination strategies in aim to maximize therapeutic efficacy based on maximum tolerated dose does not account for the therapeutic synergism that is sensitive to both dosing and scheduling of multiple drugs. In the present review, we will discuss the development of multidrug-loaded nanoparticles against drug resistant cancers. Nanoparticle-based combination therapy against experimental multidrug resistant (MDR) cancer models will be summarized. In addition, we will highlight the recent advances in nanoparticle-based combination strategies against clinical cancer drug resistance, including co-encapsulation of drugs with different physicochemical properties, ratiometric control over drug loading, and temporal sequencing on drug release. These emerging strategies promise novel and better tailored combinatorial regimens for clinical cancer treatment.
Lack of Impact of Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy on Intraoperative Levels of Prostate Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells.

Purpose: While the significance of circulating tumor cells in clinically localized cancer remains controversial, it has been reported that surgical tumor manipulation can increase circulating tumor cells, including during open prostatectomy. To our knowledge it is unknown whether this cell shedding also occurs during minimally invasive prostatectomy, which minimizes tumor palpation and uses earlier vascular control. We tested the impact of robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy on intraoperative circulating tumor cell levels.Materials and Methods: Circulating tumor cell counts were compared in peripheral blood specimens from 25 patients treated with robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy preoperatively vs intraoperatively after prostate excision, in addition to 11 healthy blood donors. Circulating tumor cell detection was performed using EpCAM immunomagnetic enrichment and multiparametric flow cytometry quantification of viable EpCAM positive/prostate specific membrane antigen po...
Normal and Abnormal Function: An Overview

The bladder (reservoir) and its outlet function as a pair of interrelated structures whose coordinated actions in the adult normally bring about (1) low-pressure reservoir filling and urine storage without involuntary leakage and (2) periodic voluntary emptying of the system, again at low pressure. The neuroanatomic, physiologic, and pharmacologic milieu which normally serves as a background and operating system for this simple sounding cycle is well described in the previous chapter. For conceptualization and a framework for evaluation, categorization, and management of abnormal function, it is logical to consider these two phases as relatively discrete: bladder filling and urine storage, and bladder emptying/voiding. This micturition cycle normally displays these two modes of operation in a simple on-off fashion which involves (1) activation of storage reflexes affecting the outlet and inhibiting the detrusor contraction reflex and (2) switching to inhibition of the storage reflexes and concomitant activation of the voiding reflex—and back again. As an easy to understand framework for subsequent discussion of evaluation, categorization, and management, the basics of these two phases are summarized followed by a brief description of what can and does malfunction.
Biocatalytic synthesis of base-modified 2′-deoxy-β-D-ribonucleosides with bacterial whole cells

Whole-cell syntheses of representative modified purine and pyrimidine 2′-deoxy-β-D-ribonucleosides are described. The transglycosylation reactions were carried out at 55iC using the thermostable bacteria, Bacillus stearothermophilus. These transformations were efficient and gave yields close to or greater than 50% (conversions >70%).
We're Gonna Crush It! Sediment Creation through Destruction.

ABSTRACTWhy are there only crumbs left at the bottom of the cereal box? Many factors, such as package handling, have caused the cereal pieces to break down into crumbs. This explanation is also related to the process of creating sediment from rocks. Sediment is created by weathering over millions of years, and it is deposited all over the world by erosion. The We're Gonna Crush It! activity serves as a brief introduction to sediment composition. Students learn how sediment is created by demonstrating weathering at a much quicker pace than what occurs under natural conditions. They see firsthand how weathering affects rocks by mirroring the process using cereal to make “sediment.” The students learn how to calculate grain size percentages to determine the overall composition of the sediment while becoming more aware of the organisms and organic matter that are also present. In less than 60 min, students can experience a large-scale process that generally occurs over millions of years. Several Next Generati...
The A-B-C in Clinical Practice with Southeast Asians: Basic Understanding of Migration and Resettlement History

This chapter focuses on the adjustment experiences of Southeast Asian (SE Asian) refugees and immigrants in the United States. Subtopics to be covered include the following: SE Asian populations in the United States, premigration and migration history, resettlement and adaptation in the United States, changes in SE Asian families and social network, mental health issues among SE Asians, and implications for clinical practice with SE Asians. This chapter highlights the importance of understanding premigration, migration, and resettlement issues in the provision of clinical services to SE Asian individuals and families.