cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the folding landscape of effector caspases.

Caspases are a family of cysteinyl proteases that control programmed cell death and maintain homeostasis in multicellular organisms. The caspase family is an excellent model to study protein evolution because all caspases are produced as zymogens (procaspases [PCPs]) that must be activated to gain full activity; the protein structures are conserved through hundreds of millions of years of evolution; and some allosteric features arose with the early ancestor, whereas others are more recent evolutionary events. The apoptotic caspases evolved from a common ancestor (CA) into two distinct subfamilies: monomers (initiator caspases) or dimers (effector caspases). Differences in activation mechanisms of the two subfamilies, and their oligomeric forms, play a central role in the regulation of apoptosis. Here, we examine changes in the folding landscape by characterizing human effector caspases and their CA. The results show that the effector caspases unfold by a minimum three-state equilibrium model at pH 7.5, where the native dimer is in equilibrium with a partially folded monomeric (PCP-7, CA) or dimeric (PCP-6) intermediate. In comparison, the unfolding pathway of PCP-3 contains both oligomeric forms of the intermediate. Overall, the data show that the folding landscape was first established with the CA and was retained for >650 million years. Partially folded monomeric or dimeric intermediates in the ancestral ensemble provide mechanisms for evolutionary changes that affect stability of extant caspases. The conserved folding landscape allows for the fine-tuning of enzyme stability in a species-dependent manner while retaining the overall caspase–hemoglobinase fold.
Endogenous labor supply in international trade theory

Abstract This paper presents two models of endogenous labor supply adjustment. In the first, traditional setup, work hours are flexible and the number of workers is fixed. In the second, work hours are fixed and labor force participation is endogenous. For both models, the impacts of world price, capital endowment, tariff, and technology changes on labor supply, output, and national income are examined, and various ‘perverse’ responses are highlighted.
Using the Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm to Frame the Reflective Practice of Special Education Teacher Candidates

This article describes the application of the elements of the Ignatian Pedagogy Paradigm (IPP) to the reimagined curriculum in the graduate special education programs at Regis University: context, experience, reflection, action, and evaluation. The shared learning experience of a reaction journal, employed frequently in a Methods and Strategies in Special Education graduate level course, is also described addressing the practical application of the elements of IPP to more fully develop educators in service to others.
Low-firing Pb(Mg/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/-PbTiO/sub 3/-Pb/sub 5/Ge/sub 2/SiO/sub 11/ compositions for thick film capacitor applications

Commercial ferroelectric thick films have been developed with high dielectric constants for capacitor applications. However, these compositions typically do not densify well in thick film form at characteristic firing temperatures (850/spl sim/900/spl deg/C), and thus require encapsulants to provide environmental stability. In this paper, ferroelectric compositions that can be fired at low temperatures with useful dielectric properties for thick film application are presented based on the combination of Pb(Mg/sub 1/3/Nb/sub 2/3/)O/sub 3/ (PMN)-PbTiO/sub 3/ (PT) with Pb/sub 5/Ge/sub 2/SiO/sub 11/ (PGS). The PGS melts at /spl ap/724/spl deg/C, and causes liquid phase sintering of the PMN-PT at low temperatures. Thick film samples of PMN-PT with 30 weight percent PGS and 5 weight percent PbO additions densify to closed porosity fired at 850/spl deg/C for 10 minutes with a room temperature 1 KHz dielectric constant greater than 1500 and a dissipation factor less than 6%. Preliminary results indicate that these compositions are compatible with a commercial silver thick film conductor paste (DuPont 6160).
Two-scale analytical homogenization of Richards' equation for flows through block inclusions

[1] In this paper we propose an analytical form for the upscaled coefficient applicable to the nonlinear Richards' equation. Block inclusions are symmetrically centered in a grid cell, and flow is dominated by capillary forces on the small scale. The nonlinear boundary value problems can be defined in a three-dimensional bounded domain, with a periodic and rapidly oscillating saturated hydraulic conductivity coefficient. The new result is derived by applying a corrector to an analytical approximation of the well-known cell problem obtained by the two-scale asymptotic expansion to the original heterogeneous nonlinear problem. The previously known analytical results for the upscaled coefficient, including the geometric average for the checkerboard geometry, can be regarded as particular cases of this new form. We perform numerical simulations to obtain the error between the fine-scale solution and the upscaled solution, respectively, as well as convergence properties of the approximation, corroborating results in the literature. There is no limitation regarding either the ratio of permeability between the matrix and inclusion or its shape for both computing the upscaled coefficient and obtaining the upscaled equation. This is illustrated by the comparison with known results and by numerically demonstrating convergence properties with a medium having square and circular inclusions in a main matrix with heterogeneity ratio of 1:100 and 1:10. Even though the derivation and applications are presented for single phase and steady state, the results are valid for multiphase and transient flow conditions. We also show that the approximation is independent of the relative saturated hydraulic relationship.
"Sub Specie Boni": The Comfort Zone of Self-Belief--A Dimension in Counseling Offenders.

Abstract Self-defeating behavior seems to recur in spite of therapeutic treatment. Instead of viewing such behavior as irrational, in the manner of rational-emotive theorist Albert Ellis, the author posits that such behavior is a rational attempt to satisfy early, introjected messages about the type of person one is and what one deserves from life.
Bacteriophage T4 Head Morphogenesis IV. Comparison of Gene 16-, 17-, and 49-Defective Head Structures2

Abstract Defective heads present in extracts of bacteriophage T4 gene 16, 17, or 49 mutant-infected cells have been characterized. All appeared as empty shells when examined by negative-stain electron microscopy and showed essentially the same polypeptide pattern on sodium dodecyl sulfate-acrylamide gels. However, when analyzed by several other methods, gene 16- and 17-defective heads were shown to differ markedly from phage heads present in gene 49-defective extracts. First, the gene 16- and 17-defective structures were found to possess a large number of attached tails (50%, rather than about 5%). Second, they contained less nuclease-resistant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (3 versus 18% of a phage equivalent), had a smaller sedimentation coefficient (240 versus 315S), and a lighter density (1.31 vs. 1.34 g/ml) than gene 49-defective heads. Third, they were not attached to the intracellular DNA pool through a deoxyribonuclease-sensitive linkage. Finally, 8-nm diameter capsomers were clearly revealed on the surface of many gene 16- and 17-defective structures. There was a total of 305 ± 25 capsomers per particle, which yielded an approximate molecular weight of 84 × 106 for these heads. The capsomers were presumably not seen on gene 49-defective heads because of the large amount (18%) of associated DNA. These results support the contention that gene 16- and 17-defective heads, in contrast to gene 49-defective structures, represent abortive rather than intermediate structures in T4 head morphogenesis.
A Solid Waste Landfill Siting Exercise for an Introductory Environmental Geology Course

A solid waste landfill siting exercise has been developed for an introductory environmental geology course. Students are asked to site a county landfill using the actual state guidelines developed and enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The students work in small groups and synthesize information from a variety of resources, including maps of geology, hydrology, land use, and topography. After choosing a site, students explain the benefits and drawbacks of the chosen location in oral and written formats. The exercise asks students to draw on a variety of topics and skills explored earlier in the term and to apply them to a real-world environmental problem. It has been successfully implemented as a capstone project at a liberal arts college and a large public institution.
Terminal differentiation in keratinocytes involves positive as well as negative regulation by retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors at retinoid response elements.

Terminal differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes is inhibited by 1 microM retinoic acid, a concentration which induces differentiation in a number of cell types, including F9 teratocarcinoma cells. The molecular basis for these opposing retinoid responses is unknown, although retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs) have been detected in both cell types. When F9 cells are stably transfected with a truncated RAR alpha lacking the E/F domain necessary for ligand binding and RAR/RXR dimerization, action at retinoid response elements is suppressed and cells produce a retinoic acid-resistant phenotype; i.e., they are blocked in differentiation (A. S. Espeseth, S. P. Murphy, and E. Linney, Genes Dev. 3:1647-1656, 1989). If retinoid receptors influence epidermal differentiation only in a negative fashion, then suppression of transactivation at retinoid response elements would be expected to enhance, rather than block, keratinocyte differentiation. In this study, we show that surprisingly, even though constitutive expression of an analogous truncated RAR gamma in keratinocytes specifically suppressed transactivation at retinoid response elements, keratinocytes were blocked, rather than enhanced, in their ability to undergo morphological and biochemical features of differentiation. These findings demonstrate a direct and hitherto unrecognized role for RARs and RXRs in positively as well as negatively regulating epidermal differentiation. Additionally, our studies extend those of Espeseth et al. (Genes Dev. 3:1647-1656, 1989), indicating a novel RAR function independent of the E/F domain.
Comparative Evaluation of Broad-Panel PCR Assays for the Detection of Gastrointestinal Pathogens in Pediatric Oncology Patients

Broadly multiplexed molecular amplification assays offer an unprecedented ability to diagnose gastrointestinal infection in immunocompromised patients. However, little data are available to compare the performance of such systems in this population. A total of 436 stool samples were collected from 199 predominantly immunocompromised pediatric oncology patients. Remnant samples were tested in parallel with the use of the premarket (investigational use only) versions of two broadly multiplexed PCR assays (BioFire and Luminex), and the results of samples corresponding to the first episode per patient were compared with those from laboratory-developed molecular assays, culture, and antigen detection. Overall performance of the multiplexed systems was comparable, with BioFire and Luminex detecting 94 and 99 positives (P = 0.34), respectively. Stratifying by analyte, BioFire assay detected 51 samples positive for Clostridium difficile, whereas Luminex assay detected 60 (P = 0.01). Biofire and Luminex detected 28 and 38 norovirus-positive samples (P = 0.002), respectively. Astrovirus- and adenovirus-positive samples were detected in higher numbers by in-house PCR than by BioFire; the same was observed for adenovirus with Luminex. Differences observed with other analytes were minimal, did not reach statistical significance, or lacked the numbers needed to detect a difference between systems. Broadly multiplexed PCR offers an effective means of detecting a variety of gastrointestinal pathogens in pediatric oncology patients, with assay performance comparable among the tests examined.
Structure-based experimental confirmation of biochemical function to a methyltransferase, MJ0882, from hyperthermophile Methanococcus jannaschii

We have determined the three-dimensional (3-D) structure of protein MJ0882, which derives from a hypothetical open reading frame in the genome of the hyperthermophile Methanococcus jannaschii. The 3-D fold of MJ0882 at 1.8 A highly resembles that of a methyltransferase, despite limited sequence similarity to any confirmed methyltransferase. The structure has an S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) binding pocket surrounded by motifs with similarities to those commonly found among AdoMet binding proteins. Preliminary biochemical experiments show that MJ0882 specifically binds to AdoMet, which is the essential co-factor for methyltransferases.
Knowledge of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Barriers To Risk Reduction Among African Americans

Knowledge of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Barriers To Risk Reduction Among African Americans
The skin due to slant of deviated wells in permeability-anisotropic reservoirs

A solution and results of the skin effect of deviated wells presented here suggest that the previous assumption of isotropy would greatly overestimate the absolute magnitude of the skin, in commonly found anisotropies of normal depositional formations and, especially, in laminated reservoirs where the vertical permeability is much smaller. Graphs and correlations of the skin due to slant as a function of the reservoir thickness, index of anisotropy, and well deviation are provided. The performance of a highly deviated well (e.g. 85°) can be approximated by a vertical well productivity relationship, augmented by such skin effect, and the results should be practically indistinguishable from those derived from well known horizontal well productivity equations, using equal well production lengths.
Comparative insecticide susceptibility and detoxification enzyme activities among pestiferous blattodea.

Topical bioassays using propoxur, chlorpyrifos, and λ-cyhalothrin were conducted on eight cockroach species. Based on lethal dose values, the relative toxicities of the insecticide classes were generally pyrethroid>carbamate>organophosphorous. λ-Cyhalothrin and propoxur were more toxic toward the Blattidae as compared with the Blattellidae. The order of λ-cyhalothrin toxicity was Periplaneta americana>Periplaneta brunnea=Periplaneta australasiae=Periplaneta fuliginosa=Blatta orientalis>Blattella asahinai=Blattella germanica>Blattella vaga. The order of propoxur toxicity was B. orientalis>P. americana>P. brunnea=P. australasiae>B. asahinai>P. fuliginosa=B. germanica>B. vaga. The order of chlorpyrifos toxicity was P. americana>B. asahinai=B. vaga>B. orientalis=P. australasiae=P. brunnea>B. germanica=P. fuliginosa. Detoxification enzyme activities for each species also were measured and compared with insecticide toxicity. Propoxur LD50 was significantly (P=0.01; r=0.81) correlated with glutathione S-transferase activity. λ-Cyhalothrin LD50 correlated with methoxyresorufin O-demethylase activity (P=0.01; r=0.81), carboxylesterase activity (P=0.03; r=−0.75), general esterase activity (P=0.02; r=−0.79), and cockroach weight (P=0.01; r=−0.95).
The balancing act - PPAR-γ's roles at the maternal-fetal interface.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-γ) belongs to the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. Apart from being involved in lipid metabolism, like its other subtypes PPAR α and β, i...
Ages at death and sex distribution in age decade in fatal coronary artery disease

Abstract A prominent article in the lay press in 1989 stressed that coronary artery disease was an "old person's disease." 1 Apparently many physicians also consider coronary artery disease to be an "old person's disease." Recently, Roberts et al 2 reported a large series of necropsy patients with fatal coronary artery disease. Using data from the earlier study, these investigators examined the age of death in men and in women with fatal coronary artery disease, the ages at death in the various types of fatal coronary events, and the ages at death in 3 different decades.
Microscopic wetting phenomena.

Molecular-dynamics calculations have been used to investigate wetting phenomena on a microscopic length scale. The model systems consist of 90 water molecules on either hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces formed by monolayers of long-chain molecules with terminal -${\mathrm{CH}}_{3}$ or -OH groups. As in experiment, these two surfaces exhibit qualitatively different wetting behavior which is characterized by a microscopic analog of the contact angle.
Integrated acidogenic digestion and carboxylic acid separation by nanofiltration membranes for the lignocellulosic carboxylate platform

Abstract The major goal of this work was to evaluate the ability of two commercially available nanofiltration membranes (NF) to efficiently separate a mixture of carboxylic acids while simultaneously retaining sugars in actual lignocellulosic biomass digestion liquor. The process achieved separation by high sugar rejection (>90%) and low acid rejection (0–40%), with the exception of butyric acid (100% rejection). Lower pH led to a significantly lower acetic and lactic acid rejection. The recovery of acids was further enhanced by operating at low pressure. Salt addition did not have a strong influence on acid and sugar rejection. Integrating separation with digestion recovered 86% of the acid during a 21 day digestion run, reducing acid concentration in the digestate by nearly 90% relative to a control without acid removal. These results demonstrate proof of concept for use of NF based anaerobic membrane bioreactors to recover carboxylic acids produced from the lignocellulosic carboxylate platform.
How is Darwinian medicine useful

Evolution by natural selection has been biology's organizing principle for more than a century, but only in the last few decades has it been applied to the social sciences and medicine. Its application to medicine, known as evolutionary or Darwinian medicine, uses an evolutionary perspective to understand why the body is not better designed and why, therefore, diseases exist at all.1,2,3 This article outlines some basic principles of Darwinian medicine, summarizes the usefulness of evolutionary principles for medicine, and provides some examples from key literature sources. For example, traditional clinical medicine looks at the problem of obesity in terms of individual differences that explain why one person becomes obese and another does not. These factors may be due to genes, early environment, or current lifestyle. Now that one half of Americans are overweight, however, it is time to answer the evolutionary question: why are our bodies designed so that most of us eat too much and exercise too little?
Fixation of frog and guinea pig complement by antibodies from the bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana.

The reactions of bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) antibodies with frog and guinea pig complement have been investigated. Frog antiserum to bacteriophage f2 fixed whole complement and C1, the activated first complement component, from both species in antigen-dependent reactions. Since frog serum contains three distinct immunoglobulin classes (high molecular weight immunoglobulin and two varieties of low molecular weight immunoglobulin, LI and LII), serum fractions containing these immunoglobulins were also examined for their ability to fix complement. In addition, highly purified immunoglobulins were tested by the sensitive C1 fixation test. The LII, but not the LI, immunoglobulin fixed guinea pig complement and both frog and guinea pig C1 in an antigen-dependent manner. The reactions of the low molecular weight immunoglobulins with frog complement, and most of the reactions of the high molecular weight immunoglobulin with complement and C1, were difficult to evaluate because of high background (not antigen-dependent) levels of fixation. Therefore, experiments were designed to restrict the reactions to specific antibodies. Frog anti-f2 antibodies were adsorbed onto antigen-coated erythrocytes; the sensitized erythrocytes were then tested for complement-dependent lysis and for ability to fix C1. Erythrocytes sensitized with LII antibodies, but not those sensitized with LI antibodies, were lysed by frog and guinea pig complement, and also fixed both varieties of CT. Erythrocytes sensitized with high molecular weight antibodies were lysed only by frog complement, but fixed frog and guinea pig C1 to an equal, although apparently limited, extent. The two main conclusions of this work are: (1) the ability of frog antibodies to react with complement varies with immunoglobulin class, and (2)certain antibodies in the bullfrog can interact with complement and C1 of a phylogenetically distant species, the guinea pig. The coexistence of class specificity and phylogenetic cross-reactivity is a remarkable feature of the interactions between immunoglobulins and complement.
Self-quenching InGaAs/InP single photon avalanche detector utilizing zinc diffusion rings

InGaAs single photon avalanche detectors have previously been fabricated with a negative-feedback mechanism, which allows for free-running Geiger-mode operation and improves the signal noise. To reduce the dark count and improve the detection efficiency, zinc diffusion is necessary to define the p-i-n junction and separate the high-field region from any mesa surface. Here, we demonstrate the benefits of a simple Zn-diffused geometry, yielding 1550 nm single-photon detection efficiencies of 20% with a dark count rate of 8 kHz at 140 K for a 22 μm diameter device.
Effects of Echistatin and an RGD Peptide on Orthodontic Tooth Movement

We tested whether orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) could be blocked by local administration of echistatin or an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide, agents known to perturb bone remodeling, adjacent to maxillary molars in rats. These molecules were incorporated into ethylene-vinyl acetate (ELVAX), a non-biodegradable, sustained-release polymer. In vitro experiments showed that the echistatin and RGD peptide were released from ELVAX in active forms at levels sufficient to disrupt osteoclasts. Biotinylated RGD peptide was released from ELVAX into the PDL after surgical implantation. ELVAX loaded with either RGD peptide or echistatin and surgically implanted next to the maxillary molars inhibited orthodontic tooth movement (p < 0.01). The RGD peptide also reduced molar drift (p < 0.05). This study shows the feasibility of using ELVAX to deliver integrin inhibitors adjacent to teeth to limit local tooth movement in response to orthodontic forces.
Does inflation targeting lower inflation and spur growth

Abstract Over the last few decades several countries have turned to inflation targeting as a policy choice for instilling stability into their economies. Prior studies have shown that inflation targeting has reduced inflation in those countries without significantly impacting GDP. This study seeks to improve upon these results by identifying the impact of timing on the policy decision as well as its impact as related to specific regions of the world. The focus is on developing countries across six regions. We find significant regional variation in developing countries in our sample in terms of the direction of changes in inflation following a switch to the inflation targeting policy. Moreover, although the impact of inflation targeting on real GDP is minimal overall, there is a statistically significant increase in real GDP among developing countries in certain regions only, namely, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Diagnostic testing for 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in hospitalized patients.

Establishing a diagnosis of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in hospitalized patients can be challenging, especially in patients presenting late in their clinical course. Although real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the most sensitive testing method to detect 2009 H1N1 virus in respiratory specimens,1 results are not accessible right away. Influenza antigen–detection tests produce quick results, but reported sensitivities of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) to detect 2009 H1N1 virus infection in upper respiratory specimens as compared with real-time RT-PCR range from 10 to 70%; therefore, false negative RIDT results are common2 and also occur with direct . . .
Evaporation from a Three‐Phase Emulsion

The evaporation path was determined for the emulsion system water, linalool and 5% Laureth 4, (L4), from the phase diagram of the components. The initial part of the evaporation took place in a two-phase region of the emulsion and the path, expressed as fractions of the compounds, was non-linear reflecting the changed vapour pressure of the linalool. The latter part of the evaporation, on the other hand, occurred through a three-phase region and the path now formed a straight line. The recently introduced algebraic approach to extracting information from phase diagrams enabled presenting quantitative changes in composition, phase fractions and total content of the emulsion, as well as the vapour pressure versus different variables; including time. On a determine le mecanisme d'evaporation d'une emulsion composee d'eau, de linalool et de 5% de Laureth 4 (L4), a partir du diagramme de phases des composantes. La partie initiale de l'evaporation a lieu dans une region biphasique de l'emulsion, et le chemin, exprimee par des fractions des composantes, est non lineaire, ce qui reflete le changement dans la pression de vapeur du linalool. Par ailleurs, la derniere partie de l'evaporation a lieu en region triphasique et le chemin forme une ligne droite. La methode algebrique introduite recemment pour extraire de l'information a partir des diagrammes de phases permet de presenter les changements quantitatifs dans la composition, les fractions de phases et la teneur totale de l'emulsion, ainsi que dans la pression de vapeur par rapport a differentes variables, notamment le temps.
A National Survey of Assessment Instruments Taught by Counselor Educators

This study reports results of a questionnaire of 210 counselor educators regarding assessment instruments covered in their assessment courses. Instruments are ranked on how extensively they are covered, and comparisons of coverage are made by assessment category (e.g., educational, clinical) and by instructor and program characteristic (e.g., Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP] vs. non-CACREP). Suggestions regarding which assessment techniques to cover in a basic counselor education testing and assessment course are made.
Membrane organization and function of M1 and M23 isoforms of aquaporin-4 in epithelial cells

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels exist as heterotetramers of M1 and M23 splice variants and appear to be present in orthogonal arrays of intramembraneous particles (OAPs) visualized by freeze-fracture microscopy. We report that AQP4 forms OAPs in rat gastric parietal cells but not in parietal cells from the mouse or kangaroo rat. Furthermore, the organization of principal cell OAPs in Brattleboro rat kidney is perturbed by vasopressin (arginine vasopressin). Membranes of LLC-PK(1) cells expressing M23-AQP4 showed large, abundant OAPs, but none were detectable in cells expressing M1-AQP4. Measurements of osmotic swelling of transfected LLC-PK(1) cells using videomicroscopy, gave osmotic water permeability coefficient (P(f)) values (in cm/s) of 0.018 (M1-AQP4), 0.019 (M23-AQP4), and 0.003 (control). Quantitative immunoblot and immunofluorescence showed an eightfold greater expression of M1- over M23-AQP4 in the cell lines, suggesting that single-channel p(f) (cm(3)/s) is much greater for the M23 variant. Somatic fusion of M1- and M23-AQP4 cells (P(f) = 0.028 cm/s) yielded OAPs that were fewer and smaller than in M23 cells alone, and M1-to-M23 expression ratios ( approximately 1:4) normalized to AQP4 in M1 or M23 cells indicated a reduced single-channel p(f) for the M23 variant. Expression of an M23-AQP4-Ser(111E) mutant produced approximately 1.5-fold greater single-channel p(f) and OAPs that were up to 2.5-fold larger than wild-type M23-AQP4 OAPs, suggesting that a putative PKA phosphorylation site Ser(111) is involved in OAP formation. We conclude that the higher-order organization of AQP4 in OAPs increases single-channel osmotic water permeability by one order of magnitude and that differential cellular expression levels of the two isoforms could regulate this organization.
Corrosion stress relaxation and tensile strength effects in an extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy

Abstract The corrosion effects on the tensile and stress relaxation behavior of an extruded AZ31 magnesium alloy subjected to immersion and salt-spray environments have been investigated. Specimens were simultaneously corroded and stress relaxed in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution and then put under a tensile test to failure to determine the stress–strain response over a 60 h test matrix. The AZ31 magnesium alloy shows an evident relaxation in 3.5 wt.% NaCl at room temperature. According to optical and scanning electron microscopy investigations, the fracture surfaces for the immersion environment show a high sensitivity to stress corrosion cracking.
Das Fluktuationsspektrum von Elektronen in einem stationären Nichtgleichgewichtszustand

Die Boltzmanngleichung wird zur Berechnung der Zeitkorrelationsfunktion und des Schwankungsspektrums von Elektronen mit klassischer Statistik benutzt. Die stationare Verbundverteilung fur ein Elektron, das anfangs ink 0=k(0) und spater ink=k(t) ist, last sich als Produkt der bedingten Wahrscheinlichkeit und der stationaren Verteilung berechnen. Diese Grosen folgen aus der Boltzmanngleichung, falls diese fur jede Anfangsverteilung eine eindeutige Losung besitzt, welche der Markov-Gleichung genugt und unter stationaren Bedingungen nach genugend langer Zeit gegen die stationare Losung strebt. Fur lineare Stosoperatoren und in der Relaxationsapproximation sind diese Voraussetzungen erfullt. Es werden allgemeine Operatorausdrucke fur das Fluktuationsspektrum und die differentielle Leitfahigkeit angegeben, die im Rahmen der ublichen Approximationsmethoden zur stationaren Losung der Boltzmanngleichung ausgewertet werden konnen. Im thermischen Gleichgewicht reproduzieren sie das klassische Fluktuations-Dissipations-Theorem. Im Nichtgleichgewichtszustand definieren sie eine vom Feld abhangige Rauschtemperatur. In der Relaxationsapproximation wird die exakte Losung fur eine polynomiale Bandstruktur berechnet. Fur parabolische und biparabolische spharische Bander wird das Ergebnis explizit diskutiert.
Nonhomologous end joining: A good solution for bad ends

Double strand breaks pose unique problems for DNA repair, especially when broken ends possess complex structures that interfere with standard DNA transactions. Nonhomologous end joining can use multiple strategies to solve these problems. It further uses sophisticated means to ensure the strategy chosen provides the ideal balance of flexibility and accuracy.
Deploying a Zone-Based Massively Multiplayer Online Game on a Congested Network

A massively multiplayer online game often deploys dozens or hundreds of servers to support millions of players around the world. A slow response time stemming from an ill-designed network infrastructure could render the game noncompetitive. To establish an efficient infrastructure, the authors focus on selecting host facilities on backbone network nodes, assigning client clusters to these facilities, and determining the required capacity for each host site. An exact solution approach is obtained from solving a minimum cost set-covering problem. The efficiency of the solution approach, in comparison with a greedy heuristic, is also reported.
Ideological communities and conceptual contests: The case of rights

(1999). Ideological communities and conceptual contests: The case of rights. Journal of Political Ideologies: Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 397-402.
Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer regulates metalloproteinases in human uterine endometrium.

Context: Endometrial remodeling occurs during each menstrual cycle in women and also during the establishment of endometriosis. Both processes involve the production of metalloproteinases (MMPs) by uterine endometrial cells. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether tissue remodeling and endometrial invasion involve activation of MMPs by extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN). Main Outcome Measures: EMMPRIN expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR in ectopic and eutopic endometria. For functional assays, human uterine fibroblasts were treated in the absence or presence of IL-1β (10 ng/ml) or purified native EMMPRIN (0.5 or 1 μg/ml) for 24 h. Cellular RNA and conditioned medium were assayed by real-time PCR or immunoblotting. Results: EMMPRIN protein localized to epithelial and fibroblast cells of eutopic and ectopic endometria. The pattern of localization was regulated by ovarian hormones. EMMPRIN mRNA levels varied throughout the menstrual ...
Cervical cytology screening among low-income, minority adolescents in New York City following the 2009 ACOG guidelines

Abstract Objectives In December 2009, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended that cervical cancer screening begin at age 21 for young women. In this study, we examine receipt of first lifetime Papanicolaou (Pap) test and predictors of over-screening among adolescents within a large urban ambulatory care network. Methods We compared the proportion of first lifetime Pap test of adolescents aged 13–20 years between June 2007 — November 2009 (n = 7700) and December 2009–June 2012 (n = 9637) using electronic health records. We employed multivariable regression models to identify demographic and health care factors associated with receiving a first lifetime Pap test at age Results The proportion of Pap tests declined from 19.3% to 4.2% (p Conclusions We found that guideline adherence differed by clinic type, insurance status, and health care encounters. In the quickly evolving field of cervical cancer control, it is important to monitor practice trends as they relate to shifts in population-based guidelines, especially in high-risk populations.
Cardiac regulation and depression.

Heart rate and heart rate regulation during sleep and wakefulness was studied in 28 patients with major depressive disorder and in 19 control subjects. Heart rate during quiet wakefulness was greater in the depressed group (H.R. = 73.04) than in the control group (H.R. = 65.35) (t = 3.06, p<0.005). Heart rate remained elevated throughout sleep in the depressed group as measured in Stage II (H.R. = 67.81) compared with the control group (H.R. = 60.84) (t = 2.49, p<0.01). Heart rate increased during movements in sleep in all subjects. The heart rate increases were attenuated in the depressed subjects. The heart rate increases were attenuated in the depressed subjects compared with nondepressed controls (p<0.001). The effect was independent of sleep stage or baseline heart rate. All effects were independent of subject age. These findings point to a change in autonomic regulation of heart rate in depression.
VOLATILE COMPOUNDS FROM CRABAPPLE (Malus spp.) CULTIVARS DIFFERING IN SUSCEPTIBILITY TO THE JAPANESE BEETLE (Popillia japonica Newman)

The volatile compounds emitted by leaves of four crabapple cultivars susceptible to damage by Japanese beetles and four relatively resistant cultivars were examined. Twelve compounds, mostly terpene hydrocarbons, were identified from intact leaves. The terpenes (E)-β-ocimene, caryophylene, germacrene D and (E,E)-α-farnesene occurred in significantly higher levels in susceptible cultivars, whereas resistant cultivars produced greater amounts of (E)-4,8-dimethyl 1,3,7-nonatriene and linalool. The relative attractiveness of the cultivars as determined in a pitfall bioassay, however, was not related to their susceptibility to the Japanese beetle as previously determined by defoliation sustained in the field. The attractiveness of individual cultivars was found to be positiviely correlated with linalool as a percent of the total volatile blend emitted by leaves. This study and previous work suggest that variation in susceptibility of crabapple cultivars to defoliation by Japanese beetles is not due to the attractiveness of the individual cultivars but rather to nonvolatile components of susceptibility and/or resistance. A scenario for host location by the Japanese beetle is presented.
Lispro Analog for Treatment of Generalized Allergy to Human Insulin

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the human insulin analog lispro in a patient with generalized allergy to human insulin. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A 34-year-old obese female patient developed systemic allergic reactions to human insulin but tolerated insulin lispro. Sequential analyses of the anti-insulin IgE and IgG immunoglobulins were performed. RESULTS On intradermal test, the lispro insulin produced a 50% less intense wheal-flare response, compared with human insulin, which was presumed to be due to lispro9s molecular form. The intradermal reactivity to both human and lispro insulins decreased with time and disappeared by week 25. 125 I-labeled lispro and human insulin binding antibody titers of both the IgE and IgG immunoglobulins were high initially, but decreased progressively, becoming very low by the end of 1 year. In in vitro immunoassay, thelispro and human insulins show a complete cross-reactivity. CONCLUSIONS Lispro may be useful for the management of allergy to human insulin. This analog of human insulin appears to have a reduced immunogenic potency.
Tu1585 Endoscopic Resection After Radiofrequency Ablation for Barrett's Dysplasia: Impact on EMR Tissue Size and Clinical Outcomes

indicated that there may be a relevant risk of LN metastasis in EBC invading at least the mid third of the submucosa (sm2). Methods: From 1996 to 2010, a total of 38 patients (pt) with EBC with the endosonographic (EUS) suspicion of or histologically (ER/surgery) confirmed diagnosis of sm2-invasion were referred to our hospital. Based on a prospective database, the rate of LN metastasis in sm2 lesions were retrospectively evaluated. LN events were only analyzed if the following inclusion criteria for LN analysis were fulfilled: Histologically confirmed diagnosis of sm2-EBC (ER/surgery); with R0 basal status in case of ER without secondary surgery; EUS follow-up (FU) of at least 24 months in case of ER with a curative intent in not operable patients or those refusing surgery, or LN dissection with histopathological work-up in case of surgery. The histological low-risk (LR) criteria consisted of: good to moderate tumor differentiation (G1-2), absence of lymph-vessel (L0) and blood-vessel (V0) invasion. If at least one of these criteria could not be fulfilled, the lesion was classified as high risk (HR). Macroscopic low-risk criteria consisted of type I-II lesions according to the Japanese Classification for early gastric cancer, and a limited tumor size of 2 cm (endoscopic findings). Results: 22 of the 38 pt fulfilled the inclusion criteria for the LN analysis. 10/22 pt had LR lesions according to histology only (n 7 surgery; n 3 ER with EUS-FU of at least 24 mo in regular intervals), and 12/22 pt had HR lesions (n 10 surgery; n 2 ER with EUS-FU of at least 24 mo in regular intervals). 1/10 LR pt had positive LN in surgery (11%); in this patient, a large ulcerated lesion (type III lesion, more than 2 cm in diameter) had been diagnosed at the cardia before surgery (macroscopically HR lesion). 4/12 HR pt had positive LN in surgery (33%); n 2 G3, n 2 L1). Conclusions: In early Barrett’s cancer not exceeding sm2 and having not only histological, but also macroscopic low-risk criteria (no ulceration, limited tumor size of up to 2 cm), the risk of LN metastasis appears to be low. ER with a curative intent may therefore also be justified in these lesions under study conditions and in highly experienced centers, but further trials are required to confirm the present data.
Direct electrochemistry of photosystem I

Abstract Direct electrochemistry has been developed into a powerful tool for the analysis of soluble proteins and enzymes over the past two decades. In the present study, we have expanded the range of proteins to include a solubilized membrane protein, photosystem I. Taking into account the difficulties caused by the presence of detergent, we have shown it to be possible to obtain an electrochemical signal of the primary electron donor, a chlorophyll dimer called P700, of photosystem I. A reduction potential of E 1/2 =490 mV vs. SHE with a peak separation of Δ E=100 mV was found, in good agreement with literature values.
A new value for the stable oxygen isotope fractionation between dissolved sulfate ion and water

Abstract Although the stable oxygen isotope fractionation between dissolved sulfate ion ( SO 4 2 - ) and H2O (hereafter α ( SO 4 2 - – H 2 O ) ) is of physico-chemical and biogeochemical significance, no experimental value has been established until present. The primary reason being that uncatalyzed oxygen exchange between SO 4 2 - and H2O is extremely slow, taking ∼ 10 5 years at room temperature. For lack of a better approach, values of 16‰ and 31‰ at 25 °C have been assumed in the past, based on theoretical ‘gas-phase’ calculations and extrapolation of laboratory results obtained at temperatures >75 °C that actually pertain to the bisulfate ( HSO 4 - ) – H 2 O system. Here I use novel quantum-chemistry calculations, which take into account detailed solute–water interactions to establish a new value for α ( SO 4 2 - – H 2 O ) of 23‰ at 25 °C. The results of the corresponding calculations for the bisulfate ion are in agreement with observations. The new theoretical values show that sediment δ 18 O SO 4 2 - -data, which reflect oxygen isotope equilibration between sulfate and ambient water during microbial sulfate reduction, are consistent with the abiotic equilibrium between SO 4 2 - and water.
Effects of addition of soluble oxidants on the thermophilic anaerobic digestion of biomass to methane

Bioconversion of polymeric substrates in anaerobic digesters is slow. Exploratory research was conducted on the effects of the addition of soluble oxidants to a thermophilic, anaerobic, semicontinuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) fed a biomass feedstock. After adaptation, added nitrate was quantitatively reduced to ammonia and isotopelabeling experiments confirmed that denitrification reactions did not occur. Addition of sulfate to a continuous nitrate amended digester resulted in sulfate accumulation, whereas sulfate addition to nonnitrate-amended digesters resulted in sulfate reduction. These results support the hypothesis that nitrate is preferentially reduced in the presence of sulfate and nitrate.
Transdermal selegiline: targeted effects on monoamine oxidases in the brain.

Abstract Background The oral administration of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors has the potential to cause a hypertensive reaction after the ingestion of tyramine-containing compounds. Because transdermal drug administration bypasses gastrointestinal absorption, it is possible that inhibition of MAO-A in brain may be achieved without enzyme inhibition in the gastrointestinal system, thereby eliminating the possibility of this drug interaction. These studies determined whether the transdermal administration of selegiline has differential effects on MAOs in brain versus the gastrointestinal system. Methods Rats were exposed to various doses of selegiline via a transdermal patch for up to 30 days, and MAO-A and MAO-B activities were determined in brain regions and gastrointestinal tissue. Results In all brain regions, transdermal selegiline, at doses that produced maximal MAO-B inhibition, led to a dose- and time-dependent MAO-A inhibition. The inhibition of MAOs in gastrointestinal tissue was less than that in brain, and doses that produced maximal MAO-A inhibition in brain inhibited MAO-A in gastrointestinal tissue by only 30%–40%. Conclusions Results suggest that transdermal selegiline preferentially inhibits MAO-A in brain relative to the gastrointestinal system. As a consequence, transdermal selegiline should be devoid of the potential to cause a hypertensive reaction after the ingestion of tyramine-containing compounds.
She Said, He Said, Judge Said Analyzing Judicial Decision Making in Civil Protection Order Hearings

A modest body of research has examined judicial decision making in civil protection order (CPO) cases. A major finding of this prior research is that the factors expected to shape judicial responses to CPO requests are often found to be insignificant. Because such decisions are often rendered in an environment of vast judicial discretion and competing allegations, the question of "what matters?" assumes added importance. This study examines permanent/final restraining order (PRO) outcomes for intimate partner violence on a number of variables. Specifically, chi-square analyses were performed examining the associations between granting/denying a PRO and demographic, relationship, hearing, and allegation characteristics associated with the petitioner and respondent. These tests helped to reveal relationships at the bivariate level and aided in further model-building using logistic regression and decision-tree analysis. The findings show that the factors most associated with PRO outcomes, namely, the denial of a PRO, are those reflecting the licit rather than illicit behavior of the respondent.
Cloning and Initial Characterization of Mouse Meltrin β and Analysis of the Expression of Four MetalloproteaseDisintegrins in Bone Cells

Abstract Here we report the cloning and initial biochemical characterization of the mouse metalloprotease/disintegrin/cysteine-rich (MDC) protein meltrin β and the analysis of the mRNA expression of four MDC genes (meltrin α, meltrin β, mdc9, and mdc15) in bone cells, including osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Like most other MDC proteins, the predicted meltrin β protein consists of a signal sequence, prodomain, metalloprotease domain with a predicted catalytic site, disintegrin domain, cysteine-rich region, epidermal growth factor repeat, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic domain with putative signaling motifs, such as potential SH3 ligand domains. Northern blot analysis indicates that meltrin β is widely expressed, with the highest expression in bone, heart, and lung. RNase protection studies revealed expression of all four MDC genes analyzed here in osteoblasts, whereas only mdc9 and mdc15mRNAs were detectable in osteoclast-like cells generated in vitro. Treatment of primary osteoblasts with 10 nmcalcitriol increased meltrin β expression more than 3-fold, and both meltrin α and meltrin β expression is apparently regulated in a differentiation-associated manner in a mouse osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3E1. Collectively, these results suggest that meltrin α and meltrinβ may play a role in osteoblast differentiation and/or function but are not likely to be involved in osteoclast fusion.