cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A reliable pressurized water target for F‐18 production at high beam currents

be irradiated at m re intense beam currents. However, a combination of factors presently limit [18F]fluoride ion production from small volume l80 water targets under high current irradiation conditions. Inadequate target cooling or a sharply focused beam strike cause losses due to boiling, cavitation and sometimes complete voiding of the target chamber. Radiolytic loss of target water also increases with more intense irradiation, and the impact of this factor is more sev re as target volumes decrease. Finally, loss of reactivity of the produced [18F]fluoride ion is a problem which has been attributed to contaminants leached from target surfaces during irradiation.
BIOculars: a virtual ecosystem for wilderness parks

BIOculars is a concept system that allows visitors to state and national wilderness parks to create virtual animals and observe them in a continually running simulation based on the park's natural environment. Users create fantasy animals with a computer interface that, inverted, transforms into a binocular-like device. When users look through the device, they can see their virtual species "living in" and interacting with the park's real ecosystem. BIOculars was designed by a Stanford University student team using an iterative design process that emphasized repeated prototyping and user testing.
YY1 is autoregulated through its own DNA-binding sites.

Background The transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) is a ubiquitously expressed, multifunctional protein that controls a large number of genes and biological processes in vertebrates. As a general transcription factor, the proper levels of YY1 protein need to be maintained for the normal function of cells and organisms. However, the mechanism for the YY1 homeostasis is currently unknown.
Organization of biomedical data for collaborative scientific research: A research information management system

Biomedical researchers often work with massive, detailed and heterogeneous datasets. These datasets raise new challenges of information organization and management for scientific interpretation, as they demand much of the researchers' time and attention. The current study investigated the nature of the problems that researchers face when dealing with such data. Four major problems identified with existing biomedical scientific information management methods were related to data organization, data sharing, collaboration, and publications. Therefore, there is a compelling need to develop an efficient and user-friendly information management system to handle the biomedical research data. This study evaluated the implementation of an information management system, which was introduced as part of the collaborative research to increase scientific productivity in a research laboratory. Laboratory members seemed to exhibit frustration during the implementation process. However, empirical findings revealed that they gained new knowledge and completed specified tasks while working together with the new system. Hence, researchers are urged to persist and persevere when dealing with any new technology, including an information management system in a research laboratory environment.
Feeding Behavior of the Primitive Shrimp, Procaris (Decapoda, Procarididae)

Specimens of Procaris ascensionis and P. hawaiana were shipped alive from Ascension Island and Hawaii respectively, to Norfolk where they were maintained in aquaria for up to 10 months. The feeding behavior of these primitive shrimp lacking chelae differs from that of most other decapods. The pereiopods are not used for walking and food items are not selected by use of single or paired pereiopods. The feeding behavior resembles somewhat that of certain euphausiids, and pelagic sergestids, in which a feeding basket is formed by the pereiopods and large food particles thereby trapped are transferred to the mouth area. Specimens lacking three or more pereiopods are severely handicapped in feeding but regeneration of missing appendages can repair damage at a single molt. In captivity Procaris will feed upon larvae of other crustaceans such as Artemia, Crangon and Palaemonetes. There is some evidence that a major food for field populations may be atyid shrimps found in abundance in the same habitat. Feeding behavior is consistent with the suggestion that Procaris is derived from a pelagic ancestor.
Effects of selected analogs of the branched-chain α-oxo acids on the α-oxo acid dehydrogenase activities in rat liver mitochondria

Abstract Various cyclic alkaneglyoxylic acids and 1-hydroxy-cyclicalkanecar-boxylic acid analogs of the branched-chain oxo acids were synthesized and tested along with some commercially available analogs as inhibitors for the branched-chain α-oxo acid dehydrogenase enzyme system as well as for the pyruvate and α-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase enzyme systems. Cyclopentaneglyoxylic acid and cyclohexaneglyoxylic acid gave the most promising results in terms of specifically inhibiting the branched-chain α-oxo acid dehydrogenases.
On the Turbulent Velocity Dispersion in Molecular Clouds

We model the "line width-size relation" σ-Lα by averaging a power-law spectrum of turbulent motions over a region of size L. This model reproduces the index α = 0-1 of most line width-size relations observed in molecular clouds, provided that L lies within the range of component wavelengths, the turbulent energy spectrum has power-law index p = 1-2, and the spectral components have random relative phases. The relation between p and α is independent of the dimensionality of the turbulence. As p increases beyond ~3, α approaches unity, departing from the value (p - 1)/2 expected in a simpler model, because the velocity profile approaches that of its longest wavelength spectral component. Fixed relative phases, expected for excitation by coherent sources, also yield a power-law line width-size relation but require a much steeper energy spectrum to match observations. If the turbulent spectrum has sharp cutoffs, the slope α changes sharply as L goes beyond the range of component wavelengths, approaching α = 1 for L λmax, independent of p. These changes in slope are due to simple properties of sinusoids and offer observational signatures of the extreme turbulent wavelengths in a cloud.
Nitrogen-15 spin relaxation in oximes

Abstract 15N NMR spectral parameters are reported for several aldoximes and ketoximes. Syn and anti isomers are resolved and observed for acetaldoxime and propanaldoxime. 15N spin-lattice relaxation times (T1's) for the non-protonated nitrogens in these small molecules are not excessively long (∼25 to 50 sec). Dipolar relaxation is significant; however, contributions from other mechanisms contribute 50–65% to 15N relaxation. Oxime nitrogens are found to be stereoselectively sensitive to the presence of paramagnetic metals.
Non-uniform subdivision for B-splines of arbitrary degree

We present an efficient algorithm for subdividing non-uniform B-splines of arbitrary degree in a manner similar to the Lane-Riesenfeld subdivision algorithm for uniform B-splines of arbitrary degree. Our algorithm consists of doubling the control points followed by d rounds of non-uniform averaging similar to the d rounds of uniform averaging in the Lane-Riesenfeld algorithm for uniform B-splines of degree d. However, unlike the Lane-Riesenfeld algorithm which follows most directly from the continuous convolution formula for the uniform B-spline basis functions, our algorithm follows naturally from blossoming. We show that our knot insertion method is simpler and more efficient than previous knot insertion algorithms for non-uniform B-splines.
Offline and online network traffic characterization

This paper investigates a new technique called Bayesian-Block-Analysis (BBA) for analyzing the time varying rate of events. The first goal is to evaluate the accuracy of BBA in identifying the rate changes in synthetic traces that have a given interevent times distribution, and known rate change points. We find that BBA is highly accurate on traces with exponential interevent times and known rate changes, and reasonably accurate with more heavier-tailed interevent times. The second goal is to apply BBA to actual network event traces. And for request arrivals or loss rate traces, BBA identifies significant stationary-rate periods which are qualitatively consistent with previous results obtained with less efficient or less accurate techniques. For packet arrivals to gateways, BBA identifies stationary rate periods that are corroborated by binning the data on a new timescale. Finally, we also show BB-online rate estimation is accurate for synthetic as well as actual system traces.
A theory of slow fluid flow through a porous thermoelastic matrix

Slow flow of linearly viscous fluid through a linear isotropic thermoelastic matrix is described. The interaction body force is Darcy's law, and the constitutive laws for the partial stresses assume that porosity changes of strain order occur and that porosity is a linear function of the partial pressures in matrix and fluid. A further dependence on deviatoric matrix stress allows a description of dilatancy. The laws are expressed in terms of 4 distinct compressibilities and a mixture shear modulus, and various strong inequalities between the compressibilities are examined. A consolidation theory for an incompressible fluid is derived, and the restrictions required to recover an uncoupled diffusion equation for the matrix compression are determined. Convection equations for large temperature differences across a horizontal layer are derived, allowing finite fluid expansion, and it is shown that the fluid-flow equations uncouple from the matrix equilibrium equation in the case of steady flow, but not in the case of unsteady flow. 34 references.
Divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1) Mediates Copper Transport in the Duodenum of Iron-Deficient Rats and When Overexpressed in Iron-Deprived HEK-293 Cells

Intracellular copper-binding proteins (metallothionein I/II) and a copper exporter (Menkes copper-transporting ATPase) are upregulated in duodenal enterocytes from iron-deficient rats, consistent with copper accumulation in the intestinal mucosa. How copper enters enterocytes during iron deficiency is, however, not clear. Divalent metal transporter 1 (Dmt1), the predominant iron importer in the mammalian duodenum, also transports other metal ions, possibly including copper. Given this possibility and that Dmt1 expression is upregulated by iron deprivation, we sought to test the hypothesis that Dmt1 transports copper during iron deficiency. Two model systems were utilized: the Belgrade (b) rat, expressing mutant Dmt1, and an inducible Dmt1-overexpression cell culture system. Mutant rats (b/b) were fed a semipurified, AIN93G-based control diet and phenotypically normal littermates (+/b) were fed control or iron-deficient diets for ~14 wk. An everted gut sleeve technique and a colorimetric copper quantification assay were utilized to assess duodenal copper transport. The control diet-fed +/b rats had normal hematological parameters, whereas iron-deprived +/b and b/b rats were iron deficient and Dmt1 mRNA and protein levels increased. Importantly, duodenal copper transport was similar in the control +/b and b/b rats; however, it significantly increased (~4-fold) in the iron-deprived +/b rats. Additional experiments in Dmt1 overexpressing HEK-293 cells showed that copper ((64)Cu) uptake was stimulated (∼3-fold) in the presence of an iron chelator. Dmt1 transcript stabilization due to a 3' iron-responsive element was also documented, likely contributing to increased transport activity. In summary, these studies suggest that Dmt1 enhances copper uptake into duodenal enterocytes during iron deprivation.
Microwave remote sensing from space

Spaceborne microwave remote sensors provide perspectives of the earth surface and atmosphere which are of unique value in scientific studies of geomorphology, oceanic waves and topography, atmospheric water vapor and temperatures, vegetation classification and stress, ice types and dynamics, and hydrological characteristics. Microwave radars and radiometers offer enhanced sensitivities to the geometrical characteristics of the earth's surface and its cover, to water in all its forms--soil and vegetation moisture, ice, wetlands, oceans, and atmospheric water vapor, and can provide high-resolution imagery of the earth's surface independent of cloud cover or sun angle. A brief review of the historical development and principles of active and passive microwave remote sensing is presented, with emphasis on the unique characteristics of the information obtainable in the microwave spectrum and the value of this information to global geoscientific studies. Various spaceborne microwave remote sensors are described, with applications to geology, planetology, oceanography, glaciology, land biology, meteorology, and hydrology. A discussion of future microwave remote sensor technological developments and challenges is presented, along with a summary of future missions being planned by several countries.
Primate enamel evinces long period biological timing and regulation of life history

The factor(s) regulating the combination of traits that define the overall life history matrix of mammalian species, comprising attributes such as brain and body weight, age at sexual maturity, lifespan and others, remains a complete mystery. The principal objectives of the present research are (1) to provide evidence for a key variable effecting life history integration and (2) to provide a model for how one would go about investigating the metabolic mechanisms responsible for this rhythm. We suggest here that a biological rhythm with a period greater than the circadian rhythm is responsible for observed variation in primate life history. Evidence for this rhythm derives from studies of tooth enamel formation. Enamel contains an enigmatic periodicity in its microstructure called the striae of Retzius, which develops at species specific intervals in units of whole days. We refer to this enamel rhythm as the repeat interval (RI). For primates, we identify statistically significant relationships between RI and all common life history traits. Importantly, RI also correlates with basal and specific metabolic rates. With the exception of estrous cyclicity, all relationships share a dependence upon body mass. This dependence on body mass informs us that some aspect of metabolism is responsible for periodic energy allocations at RI timescales, regulating cell proliferation rates and growth, thus controlling the pace, patterning, and co-variation of life history traits. Estrous cyclicity relates to the long period rhythm in a body mass-independent manner. The mass-dependency and -independency of life history relationships with RI periodicity align with hypothalamic-mediated neurosecretory anterior and posterior pituitary outputs. We term this period the Havers-Halberg Oscillation (HHO), in reference to Clopton Havers, a 17th Century hard tissue anatomist, and Franz Halberg, a long-time explorer of long-period rhythms. We propose a mathematical model that may help elucidate the underlying physiological mechanism responsible for the HHO.
Physiological basis for flexible voltinism in the spruce beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

The spruce beetle, Dendroctonus rufpennis (Kirby), has described life cycles of 1-3 years. Although temperature has been shown to be strongly associated with flexible voltinism in the spruce beetle, the physiological basis for this phenom- enon is not clear. Two competing hypotheses were tested under laboratory condi- tions. First, we tested the hypothesis that larval diapause, induced by cool temperatures during or before instar 111, initiates prolonged life cycles while larvae not diapausing complete development to adults before the first winter. We compared development times at constant temperature (12°C) and field-simulated thermoperiod treatments against development times in a reference (21°C) treatment for which there is no indication of diapause induction. The constant temperature treatment was not significantly different than the reference treatment, although there were a few outliers. The thermoperiod treatment was significantly longer than the reference treatment, but only by a few days. These results provide little support for the hypothesis of larval diapause induction during or before instar 111. Second, we in- vestigated the hypothesis of life-cycle regulation through life stage specific develop- mental temperature thresholds, particularly, a relatively high threshold for pupation that might prevent development beyond the prepupal life stage under cool condi- tions. We found little evidence of distinct differences in low-temperature thresholds between life stages. Instar-IV larvae held at llS°C, however, did not pupate for 125-300 days, a developmental arrest that suggests diapause. Based on all present and previous investigations, the induction-sensitive phase appears to be late in the instar-IV or early in the prepupal stages. For semivoltine spruce beetles, this life stage occurs late in the growing season, after most temperature-dependent development has been completed. It is our conclusion that spruce beetle voltinism is primarily under direct temperature control and that prepupal diapause is the default overwintering strategy for individuals not completing development to maturity by fall.
Silicon bulk micromachined FBAR filters for W-CDMA applications

In this paper, fully integrated FBAR (Film Bulk Acoustic Wave Resonator) filters have been newly designed, fabricated, and characterized for W-CDMA mobile communication system applications by using silicon bulk micromachining technology. The proposed FBAR ladder type filters are realized by connecting 3 resonators in series and 4 resonators in parallel. The utilized resonators are comprised of aluminum nitride (AlN) piezoelectric material sandwiched by Mo electrodes on top of silicon nitride supporting membrane. The measured quality factor is 1530 at 1.9 GHz. The fabricated FBAR filters have insertion losses of -2.8 dB over the pass band, 0.5 dB ripple in pass band, absolute attenuation of 35 dB and 43 dB at 1.6 GHz to 1.875 GHz and 2.110 GHz to 2.170 GHz, respectively. They have the better performance characteristics than the conventional SAW (Surface Acoustic Wave) filters. The actual die sizes of the fabricated FBAR filter are 1.2 mm/spl times/1.4 mm before packaging and 3 mm/spl times/3 mm after packaging, respectively.
Pitfalls in the Pursuit of Knowledge

Few issues in recent years have so exercised the American public as has violently aggressive behavior. It does not require election rhetoric to document the fact that “crime in the streets” holds a central position in the concerns and consciousness of the average citizen. It dominates the front pages of our daily newspapers and is an omnipresent feature on television’s evening news. All arguments over prisons, incarceration, and concepts of criminal justice are infused with the explicit as well as the implicit sense that we or our children are no longer safe in the public spaces. The wanton and seemingly gratuitous violence that characterizes so much of urban life—exaggerated through fear beyond its actual incidence—has reached a point where chronic anxiety is a constant companion of those who brave the public spaces at night.
Ritalin®: Panic in the USA

Ritalin® is a popular pharmaceutical. It keeps young people quiet and focused, but attracts intense opprobrium. Beginning with an account of the dimensions of Ritalin®’s use in the United States and controversies surrounding it, this article outlines how this might be understood in moral-panic terms and examines the role of the psy-function and various conflicts of interest, coverage in popular culture, and governmental responses. In many cases, progressive academics and activists have criticised moral panics, recuperating moral-panic folk devils as semiotic guerrillas struggling against authority. In this instance, however, the scene is too complex and multifaceted for that heroisation. There are no good guys; there is lots of panic, from all political-economic quarters. Some of it is justified—and none of it is straightforward.
Growth and nitrogen mineralization of selected fungi and fungal-feeding nematodes on sand amended with organic matter

Isolates of Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea , Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium sp., Rhizoctonia solani, Stemphylium sp., Thielaviopsis basicola, and Verticillium dahliae were cultured on potato‐dextrose agar (PDA), barley‐sand and alfalfa‐sand substrates in petri-dish or in column microcosms. N-mineralization by fungi and fungal-feeding nematodes in combination or fungi alone was assessed. Numbers of Aphelenchus avenae or Aphelenchoides composticolasupported by the fungi were measured every 7 days. Times for full colonization of the substrates by fungi ranged from 5 to 15 days. Rhizoctonia solaniand B. cinerea on PDA supported the largest A. avenae and A. composticolapopulations, respectively. Penicillium sp. was a nonhost for A. composticolaand A. avenae. Rhizoctonia solani, B. cinerea, V. dahliae ,a ndF. oxysporumsupported significantly more nematodes than the other four fungal species. The ranked order of fungi based on the amount of N mineralized in columns free of nematodes was A. alternata (with a rate of 0.052 g N/g-sand per day), Stemphyliumsp., V. dahliae, T. basicola, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum, R. solani ,a ndPenicillium sp. (with a rate of 0.0045g N/g-sand per day). The presence of A. avenae resulted in significant increases in mineral N, compared to nematode-free columns colonized by F. oxysporum, R. solani,and T. basicola alone. The presence of A. composticola resulted in significant increases in mineral N, compared to nematode-free columns colonized by A. alternata, B. cinerea, F. oxysporum,and R. solani alone. There was more mineral N in columns in the presence of A. composticolathan A. avenae in most cases.
Relationships Between Word Decoding Speed, General Name-Retrieval Ability, and Reading Progress in First-Grade Children

A discrete-trial reaction time methodology was employed in order to measurethe speed with which skilled and less-skilled readers named colors, pictures,numbers, letters, and words. Words were the only stimulus type that theskilled readers named more rapidly. The equality of naming times for colors,pictures, and numbers suggests that a general name retrieval deficit, suggestedby earlier studies of dyslexic children, does not appear to be characteristic ofless-skilled nondyslexic children. Instead, the marked word decoding speeddifference, in conjunction with the lack of a letter naming difference betweenthe two groups, supports previous research that has suggested that phonologi-cal analysis skills may be important determinants of early reading acquisi-tion.
Nosocomial transmission and infection control aspects of parasitic and ectoparasitic diseases: Part I. Introduction/enteric parasites.

Interest in parasitic diseases has been stimulated by the entry of large numbers of Southeast Asian refugees into the United States in the last 15 years. The diagnosis of exotic infections such as clonorchiasis, paragonimiasis, and schistosomiasis in these patients has also sometimes provoked unfounded concerns on the part of hospital staff about the nosocomial transmission risks of such diseases. This on occassion has led to unnecessarily stringent isolation precautions and overtreatment with antiparasitic drugs. In reality, tuberculosis and hepatitis B represent much more significant nosocomial infection hazards from this patient population.1 More recently, attention has been focused on parasitic diseases as opportunistic infections in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The parasitic infections complicating AIDS have been predominantly "All-American" protozoa such as Pneumocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cryptosporidium species. Of these, Cryptosporidium in particular, and possibly Pneumocystis may be nosocomially transmitted from AIDS patients. There are already several reports of suspected transmission of Cryptosporidium from patients to healthcare workers.2-4 Thus, it appears timely to review the helminthic, protozoan, and arthropod parasites that either ave been transmitted or that could be acquired within the hospital or institutional environment. Both the potential routes of transmission and the appropriate isolation precautions and other control measures to minimize transmission will be su marized.
Serpentine Revegetation: A Review

Abstract Centuries of mining economically valuable minerals from serpentine have left a legacy of drastically disturbed landscape. Asbestos and nickel-laterite mining from serpentine is estimated to have degraded 11,130 and 19,070 ha, respectively, in 18 countries. Increasing mineral extraction, fueled by increasing global demand for industrial commodities, will continue to have devastating impacts on serpentine landscapes. Simultaneously, increasing environmental awareness is motivating nations to balance economic advancement with environmental protection. Revegetation of landscapes degraded by mining provides a way to address these issues. This review highlights some advances of the past decades in serpentine revegetation and ecology, and provides a framework of concepts, including physical stabilization, substrate amendment, and plant-materials selection, by which drastically disturbed serpentine substrates may be revegetated.
Review on Grinding Tool Wear With Regard to Sustainability

Manufacturing processes have to become more sustainable. For grinding processes, this means that tool wear and performance need to be critically evaluated in their economic, environmental, and social impact. Tool wear affects several stakeholders. Different wear mechanisms on the grit and bond level lead to a change in tool profile and sharpness. For the user, wear changes tool costs, process stability, and maybe worker safety. Tool manufacturers need tool wear to sell replacements, whereas tool users might not like the higher waste and costs from tool wear but need tool self-sharpening.
Reproductive ecology of the green treefrog (Hyla cinerea) in Northwestern Florida

Abstract Information on life-history traits is critical to understanding population dynamics of anurans. The objective of this study was to examine aspects of the reproductive ecology of Hyla cinerea in northwestern Florida. Four breeding localities in Leon County, Florida, were sampled over three seasons (2001–2003), amplexed pairs were found as early as 12 April and as late as 12 August. Egg clutches were counted from 51 amplexed pairs and adult size was measured in 43 pairs. Average clutch size was 1214 ± 528 eggs (x ± se, range = 359–2658). Female H. cinerea were slightly larger than males (x ± se tibiofibula length = 24.9 ± 2.2 and 24 ± 1.7 mm, respectively). Female size was significantly positively correlated with clutch size and weakly correlated with size of the paired male. Comparison of the results of this study with previous research indicates that the reproductive ecology of H. cinerea varies across its geographic range.
The Rush To Outsource: The Interplay Of Location And Dislocation

In their quest for economic efficiency, American firms are increasingly outsourcing their processes as well as their products. Companies may outsource operations themselves or use the services of special outsource firms such as contract manufacturers and external service providers (ESPs). The present study focuses on evolving dynamics within these intermediaries, particularly their accelerated move to offshore operations. This paper examines the causes and effects of this trend. The first casualties register in the American workforce. Though U.S. firms and consumers enjoy some near-term benefit from this job transfer, long-term implications are ominous. By broadening their geographic locus and hiring local professionals, ESPs unwittingly expedite the emergence of an indigenous labor pool to replace them. Already domestic providers are encountering local ventures that offer value-added technology in “upstream” areas like architecture, development and integration. If such firms continue to gain recognition in high-end activity, they may credibly lay claim to the commodity work of product assembly and transaction processes. American firms are targeting these same areas, especially the nascent realm of business process outsourcing (BPO). As U.S. outsourcers rush relentlessly “downstream” and transplant their backend support services to overseas locations, they may be outsourcing their own future. The paper will give three case study examples at each end of this labor food chain. As domestic examples we include a domestic contract manufacturer and a BPO provider. Both firms have established an overseas presence. Lastly, we examine an overseas competitor leveraging its upstream success in high-value IT services to secure a beachhead in BPO.
Action of Aminoacetic Acid in Preventing Convulsions Produced by Metrazol

ConclusionsAminoacetic acid affords some protection against convulsions produced by the intravenous injection of metrazol. It is insignificant as compared to other substances, as pyridine, nicotinamide and phenylcinchoninic acid. Aminoacetic acid affords a great deal of protection against convulsions produced by the subcutaneous injection of metrazol.
Computer simulation of area-wide management strategies for the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae).

A computer model was developed to simulate effects of management technologies on populations of lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum (L.), in areas where White-tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmerman), are the principal host. Technologies considered in this study were acaricide application for area-wide management of unfed ticks, vegetative management to remove leaf litter and duff that provide a suitable microenvironment for free-living ticks, and host management to reduce density of deer. Computer simulations were made with normal weather patterns and other variables for eastern Oklahoma. Simulations with each technology alone suggested that either six acaricide applications, vegetative management against 100% of the tick population in a 4-yr cycle, or host management to attain a density of 2.47 deer per 100 ha for all years would be necessary to reduce densities of the lone star tick below an arbitrary threshold level during a period of 10 yr. Simulations with technologies at lower levels than indicated above were used to develop integrated management strategies that could be considered for practical use against populations of the lone star tick.
The G protein α chaperone Ric-8 as a potential therapeutic target.

Resistance to inhibitors of cholinesterase (Ric-8)A and Ric-8B are essential genes that encode positive regulators of heterotrimeric G protein α subunits. Controversy persists surrounding the precise way(s) that Ric-8 proteins affect G protein biology and signaling. Ric-8 proteins chaperone nucleotide-free Gα-subunit states during biosynthetic protein folding prior to G protein heterotrimer assembly. In organisms spanning the evolutionary window of Ric-8 expression, experimental perturbation of Ric-8 genes results in reduced functional abundances of G proteins because G protein α subunits are misfolded and degraded rapidly. Ric-8 proteins also act as Gα-subunit guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) in vitro. However, Ric-8 GEF activity could strictly be an in vitro phenomenon stemming from the ability of Ric-8 to induce partial Gα unfolding, thereby enhancing GDP release. Ric-8 GEF activity clearly differs from the GEF activity of G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs). G protein βγ is inhibitory to Ric-8 action but obligate for receptors. It remains an open question whether Ric-8 has dual functions in cells and regulates G proteins as both a molecular chaperone and GEF. Clearly, Ric-8 has a profound influence on heterotrimeric G protein function. For this reason, we propose that Ric-8 proteins are as yet untested therapeutic targets in which pharmacological inhibition of the Ric-8/Gα protein–protein interface could serve to attenuate the effects of disease-causing G proteins (constitutively active mutants) and/or GPCR signaling. This minireview will chronicle the understanding of Ric-8 function, provide a comparative discussion of the Ric-8 molecular chaperoning and GEF activities, and support the case for why Ric-8 proteins should be considered potential targets for development of new therapies.
Long-Term Results of Exotropia: Can it be Cured?

The objective of this paper is to determine if exotropia (XT) can be cured in children and/or in adults. This would include motor and sensory outcomes. Extensive documentation has been published re...
The Effect of Structural Relaxation on the Diffusion of Au in Amorphous Pd80Si20

The diffusivity of Au in sputter-deposited amorphous Pd80Si20 has been measured by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) between 275°C and 380°C. A new method based on scaling of the evolution of the variance of the concentration profile was used to analyze the data. The diffusivity was found to be independent of the Au concentration below 3 at.%. Structural relaxation causes a time dependence that is evident at short times. The kinetics of this relaxation can be described by the bimolecular relaxation model used in the analysis of viscous flow.
New interpretation of the wings of the pterosaur Rhamphorhynchus muensteri based on the Zittel and Marsh specimens

The Zittel wing of Rhamphorhynchus muensteri is reinterpreted as preserving negative impressions of closely spaced broad flat actinofibrils that were replaced by calcite but were prepared away by the specimen’s finder. The Marsh specimen preserves positive impressions of the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the wing, which show that the skin was smooth with fine wrinkles and that actinofibrils were not on the wing surface. Based on comparisons of those specimens, the dactylopatagium consisted of dorsal and ventral skins of epidermis and dermis surrounding a common hypodermis core, and keratinous actinofibrils developed in place within the dorsal epidermis adjacent to a layer of linear collagen fibers in the dorsal dermis. The actinofibrils and linear collagen fibers together formed the main functional structure of the dactylopatagium. That structure made the dactylopatagium somewhat stiff and essentially inextensible so that it folded up along discrete fold lines that probably were genetically determined. A pneumatic retrophalangeal wedge behind the antebrachium through at least wing phalanx 3 streamlined the transition between the thick wing spar and thin patagium.
101 EFFECTS OF ANTIOXIDANTS ON TERT-BUTYL HYDROPEROXIDE CELL KILLING IN MACROPHAGE (RAW 264.7) CELLS.

The aim of this study was to examine the protective effects of a variety of antioxidants, including alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), ascorbic acid, and selenium, in an in vitro model of alcohol-mediated free radical generation in the liver, one of the major organs affected by chronic alcohol abuse. Hepatic macrophage cells (RAW 264.7 cells) were cultured to confluence in 24-well plates. A dose-response curve of tBH (tert-butyl hydroperoxide) killing in the presence or absence of ethanol (EtOH) was determined. Cell killing was evaluated by determining cell leakage of lactate dehydrogenase. Cells were then exposed to a tBH dose that killed 50% of the cells in the presence of various doses of each of the potential antioxidants: ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol, or selenium. Alpha-tocopherol acted as an antioxidant by decreasing tBH cell killing in a dose-dependent manner. Selenium at a relatively high dose (10 μmol had no effect on tBH killing. However, at 50 μmol, it enhanced tBH cell killing, thereby acting as a pro-oxidant. Ascorbic acid at low doses protected the cells from tBH cell killing, but at doses higher than 500 μmol, it enhanced cell killing, thereby acting as a pro-oxidant. Our results indicate that protection from free radical damage depends on the dose of alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, or selenium. An antioxidant regimen can be developed to minimize free radical generation due to ethanol metabolism that will significantly reduce the subsequent damage to the liver caused by alcohol abuse.
Modern Money Theory and the facts of experience

This paper discusses Modern Money Theory (MMT) with a particular focus on the role of the state in its monetary system and the nature of money. It addresses the main differences between the orthodox, heterodox and MMT approaches to monetary theory while reconciling endogenous money theory with the state money approach. By emphasising the symmetry between how banks create money as they finance private spending and how the government creates money when it finances its own spending, we clarify some of the misconceptions surrounding MMT while showing that it is more consistent with the facts of experience. Furthermore, we argue that MMT’s insistence that government spending or lending must precede bond sales is consistent with the Keynesian emphasis on effective demand as the driving force behind income and saving. We delve into MMT’s implications for monetary and fiscal policy, with a particular focus on the eurozone. We conclude our paper by discussing two proposals of ‘monetary cranks’: narrow banking and government issue of debt-free money. This allows us to re-emphasise MMT’s views on the nature of money.
Impact of Race on Treatment and Survival among U.S. Veterans with Early-Stage Lung Cancer

Abstract Introduction Numerous reports suggest lower rates of surgical procedures and poorer survival for black patients with early-stage (stage I or II) NSCLC than for white patients. This study examined treatment trends among blacks and whites with early-stage NSCLC and determined whether racial disparities exist in survival among patients receiving similar treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis of 18,466 patients in the Veteran Affairs Central Cancer Registry in whom stage I or II NSCLC was diagnosed in 2001–2010 was conducted. Patients were categorized as receiving an operation, radiation, or other/no treatment. Overall survival (OS) and lung cancer–specific survival (LCSS) were evaluated using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox regression analyses. Results There was a statistically significant disparity between black and white patients receiving an operation that decreased over time to similar rates ( p = 0.01). No significant racial differences in receipt of radiation were noted. Race was not associated with OS among all patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.93–1.02). Among patients who received an operation, no racial difference in OS was observed (HR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.87–1.01), but the HR for blacks versus whites was 0.90 (95% CI: 0.82–0.98) for radiation treatment and 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81–0.97) for other/no treatment. Race was not associated with LCSS among all patients combined or within each treatment category. Conclusions A racial disparity in the rate of operation was no longer apparent at the end of the study period. There was no racial difference in OS or LCSS among all patients in this equal access health care system. Long-documented racial differences in lung cancer treatment and mortality result from disparity of access to health care and delivery of recommended treatment.
Narrative reconstruction and post-traumatic growth among trauma survivors: The importance of narrative in social work research and practice:

A substantial body of theoretical work on meaning-making processes postulates that assisting clients in reconstructing their personal narratives in the aftermath of trauma helps survivors to integr...
Does Media Attention Highlighting Hospitals with High Charges Lead to Charge Reductions

Background: The identification of the 50 hospitals in the US, including 20 located in Florida, with the highest charge-to-cost ratios in 2015 was met with significant public outcry. Objective: To compare the total charges in the 20 high charge-to-cost ratio hospitals in Florida before and after media attention and public scrutiny to trends in total charges in the other hospitals in the state. Research Design: We use difference-in-differences analysis to analyze 1,027,091 discharges from acute care hospitals in the state of Florida (n=206) between quarter 3 of 2010 and quarter 3 of 2015. Models account for discharge characteristics, and hospital and quarter fixed effects. Measures: Total charges, adjusted by the 2015 Consumer Price Index for Medical Care, by hospital for commercial and self pay patients is the main outcome variable. Trends in total charges were assessed before and after publication of the 20 top charge-to-cost ratio hospitals in Florida. Results: Our analysis finds no evidence that hospitals responded to the publicity with any meaningful reductions in charges. Charges in the third quarter of 2015 were significantly higher than charges in previous quarters. Conclusions and Relevance: As hospital charges continue to rise and the best path forward to address price transparency continues to elude policy makers and stakeholders, it is important to recognize that hospitals may not respond quickly to public exposure and these initiatives.
Ideology and cultural violence in Darfur

Since its independence in 1956, Sudan has been ravaged by war. For residents of the western-most state in the country, Darfur, the war has led to ethnic cleansing on a massive scale. During the peak years of the war, 2003-2005, the Sudanese Air Force struck villages using assault helicopters and Russian-made Antonov bombers. Ground forces followed aerial attacks with infantry assaults, targeting ethnic tribes that the Sudanese government accused of supporting rebel resistance movements. Three ethnic tribes received the brunt of these assaults: the Fur, Massalit and Zaghawa. The perpetrators included the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), as well as the Arab militia group known as the Janjaweed. From a sociological perspective, the Janjaweed is comprised of a loose consolidation of five subgroups: former bandits, demobilised government soldiers, young members of Arab tribes, common criminals and young unemployed Arab men. The term janjaweed originally meant "horsemen with G [Jim] guns", and later evolved to mean "devil on a horse". The attackers systematically killed men, raped women and abducted children; they also targeted essential resources, destroying livestock, torching fields, poisoning wells and levelling health clinics and schools. According to United Nations (UN) reports, more than 300 000 Darfuri civilians have been killed since 2003, and approximately 3 000 000 people were forcibly exiled.
Early Denervation and Later Reinnervation of the Heart Following Cardiac Transplantation: A Review.

Heart transplantation (HTx) surgically interrupts the parasympathetic vagal neurons and the intrinsic postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers traveling from the stellate ganglia to the myocardium, causing axonal Wallerian degeneration and thus extrinsic cardiac denervation.[1][1], [2][2], [3][3], [4
Placental soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase expression in small for gestational age infants and risk for adverse outcomes.

Abstract Introduction Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFLT-1) is an anti-angiogenic factor implicated in the pathogenesis of preterm preeclampsia. We evaluated sFLT-1 expression and placental pathology in pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age (SGA) infants ( Methods Clinical and histologic data were compared between groups with high or low sFLT-1 expression determined by immunohistochemistry on archived placentas. Results Nineteen of 69 placentas showed high sFLT-1 expression. The high sFLT-1 group had higher predelivery median systolic blood pressure (BP); 140 (interquartile range (IQR) 133–152) vs. 126 (118–139) mm Hg (p = 0.003), and median diastolic BP; 87 (78–94) vs. 77.5 (71–86) mm Hg (p = 0.02). Abnormal umbilical Doppler abnormalities were more prevalent; 89.5% vs. 46% (p = 0.001). These pregnancies delivered earlier; 31.9 weeks (28.3–34.7 weeks) vs. 37.1 weeks (33.7–38.7 weeks) (p Discussion Placental sFLT-1 expression is upregulated in approximately 28% of non-preeclamptic pregnancies complicated by SGA infants. These pregnancies showed increased placental vascular pathology, more umbilical Doppler abnormalities, and earlier delivery with lower birthweight. A subgroup of non-preeclamptic fetal growth restriction with upregulated sFlt-1 expression may share a common pathogenic pathway with preterm preeclampsia. This subgroup is worthy of additional study.
Bidentate reagents form cyclic organic-Cr(VI) molecules for aiding in the removal of Cr(VI) from water: density functional theory and experimental results

Hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), in the form of chromate (CrO4 2−) or dichromate (Cr2O7 2−) is a well-described carcinogen found in the drinking water in many parts of the country at levels deemed unsafe by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization. We report on the ability of bidentate organic molecules containing diols or diamines to capture chromate ions from aqueous sources by forming cyclic organic-Cr(VI) carbonates or ureas. After their formation, the cyclic organic-Cr(VI) molecules are readily absorbed onto granulated activated charcoal to facilitate Cr(VI) removal. Using density functional theory, E 0 values for the reactions of diols and diamines with chromate were calculated and correlated with the experimental findings of Cr(VI) removal.
Experimental and theoretical similitude analysis for flexural bending of scaled-down laminated I-beams

Abstract In this paper, similitude theory is presented as a methodology on how to design a meaningful scaled-down subcomponent that emulates the strain field experienced in the full-scale component. The scaling laws for the flap-wise bending of a laminated composite I-beam with shear deformability are derived based on the similitude analysis. The set of scaling laws is treated as a criterion to design a scaled-down laminated I-beam that is partially similar to a full-scale I-beam that is representative of what is used in a utility-scale wind turbine rotor blade. The designed I-beam is manufactured and loaded using a three-point bending test while digital image correlation is used to measure the strain and displacement fields. The analytical solution is examined with the measured strain and displacement values and a finite element simulation for validation. With the derived scaling laws shown to be credible, they are then applied to the measured strain and displacement values of the scaled-down I-beam to predict the corresponding values of the full-scale I-beam. The scaled model is shown to replicate the strain field of its full-scale parent I-beam. Moreover, applicability of the scaled beam in predicting the displacement field of the full-scale I-beam using experimental data is demonstrated.