cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular Studies on the Voltage Dependence of Dihydropyridine Action on L-type Ca2+ Channels

The interaction site(s) of dihydropyridine (DHP) antagonists and agonists have been identified by site-directed mutagenesis and localized on motifs IIIS5, IIIS6, and IVS6 of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. In this study, we investigated the voltage-dependent action of DHPs with mutants of the IIIS6 and IVS6 segments of a cardiac calcium channel. Tyrosine residues in both motifs (Tyr1178 and Tyr1489) strongly contributed to the action of DHP agonists and antagonists. When these two sites were mutated, the communication between the voltage sensor and the DHP interaction site(s) was substantially impaired. In contrast, mutants of a nearby Ile (Ile1182) had much less influence on DHP agonist and antagonist interaction, and the voltage dependence of DHP antagonists was very similar to that of the wild type. The effect of a mutating of Ile1182, on agonist or antagonist action, however, depended strongly on the type of amino acid change. When Ile1182 was substituted with alanine, small changes were noted for DHP agonist and antagonist action. Changing this site into phenylalanine, however, significantly decreased the action of the DHP antagonist. These data show that Ile1182 can preferentially interact with DHP antagonists, but has a lesser contribution in agonist interaction. Thus, even though the agonist and antagonist interaction sites for DHPs with L-type calcium channels may overlap, some amino acids in this site may exhibit a preference for either DHP enantiomers.
Use of prostaglandin E2 to ripen the cervix of the mare prior to induction of parturition.

Eleven light-breed pregnant mares (335 to 347 d gestaton) were used to evaluate the use of prostaglandin E2 as a cervical ripening agent prior to induction of parturition during the months of April and May. Six hours prior to induction, each mare's cervix was examined per vagina for softness and dilation. Each mare was then assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups: Group PGE mares (n = 7) received 2.0 to 2.5 mg prostaglandin E2 deposited intracervically; Group SAL mares (n = 4) received 0.5 mL of sterile NaCl deposited intracervically. Six hours later, the mares were readied for parturition by wrapping the tail, scrubbing and rinsing the perineum and udder, and examining the cervix as previously described. Each mare was then administered 15 U, i.v. oxytocin at 15-min intervals until the chorioallantois ruptured. Intervals from initial oxytocin injection until rupture of the chorioallantois, from initial oxytocin injection until delivery of the foal, from delivery of the foal until the foal stood unassisted, and from delivery of the foal until the foal suckled were recorded. Mean cervical dilation immediately prior to induction of parturition tended to be greater in Group PGE mares (3.9 +/- 1.7 cm) than in Group SAL mares (1.9 +/- 1.9 cm; P = 0.10). Mean change in cervical dilation over the 6-h period prior to induction (3.4 +/- 1.9 cm vs 1.5 +/- 2.1 cm), mean number of injections of oxytocin required until the chorioallantois ruptured (1.9 +/- 0.7 vs 2.5 +/- 1.0), and mean intervals from initial injection of oxytocin to rupture of the chorioallantois (20 +/- 10 min vs 28 +/- 19 min) and delivery of the foal (28 +/- 7 min vs 34 +/- 22 min) were not different between Group PGE and SAL mares, respectively (P > 0.10). The proportion of foals that stood within 1 h of birth also did not differ between Group PGE foals (6/7; 86%) and Group SAL foals (3/4; 75%; Chi-square = 0.17; P > 0.10). The proportion of foals that nursed within 2 h of birth was higher in Group PGE foals (6/7; 86%) than in Group SAL foals (1/4; 25%; Chi-square = 4.02; P < 0.05). Premature separation requiring manual rupture of the chorioallantois at the vulvar labia occurred in 1 Group PGE mare (cervical dilation of 1.5 cm at time of induction) and 1 Group SAL mare (cervix closed and firm at time of induction). Foals born from the 2 mares with premature placental separation had the longest intervals from initial oxytocin injection to delivery, delivery to ability to stand unassisted, and delivery to suckling within their respective treatment groups. In summary, it appears that cervical ripening prior to induction of parturition favors shorter deliveries and foal vigor. Intracervical administration of prostaglandin E2 may prove useful for ripening the cervix of the mare prior to induction of parturition. Further studies are indicated to determine optimal dosage and method of administration of prostaglandin E2.
Upregulation of Bcl2 inhibits apoptosis-driven BAX insertion but favors BAX relocalization in mitochondria

Protein-protein interactions between the Bcl2 family proteins regulate apoptosis. An imbalance of this interaction network due to the upregulation of the proto-oncogene Bcl2 leads to a resistance to apoptosis associated with tumor formation. Bcl2 overexpression inhibits BAX oligomerization and mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) permeabilization. However, Bcl2 effects on earlier steps of BAX-mediated apoptosis are not fully understood. Bcl2 overexpression inhibits BAX insertion into the MOM but spontaneously increases BAX relocalization to the mitochondria. Also, a physical interaction between BAX and Bcl2 is necessary for these two effects to occur. Taken together, these results suggest upregulated Bcl2 stabilizes BAX loose binding to mitochondrial membranes, inhibiting its insertion into the MOM and consequently cytochrome c release.
Active-Learning Exercises for Principles of Economics Courses

URL: http://www.harmon.uconn.edu/Wikispaces.htm This Web site (http://www.harmon.uconn.edu/Wikispaces.htm) describes using an online drawing program and bulletin board to create active-learning act...
A National Holiday for Dr. King?: Qualitative Content Analysis of Arguments Carried in the Washington Post and New York Times

Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on April 4, 1968, allegedly at the hands of a single sniper, proponents of a national holiday to honor Dr. King took their case to the public. The present essay employs qualitative content analysis based upon lines developed by Kenneth Burke to trace trends and topics of argument over a span of sixteen years. The Washington Post and the New York Times are examined for the analysis. Arguments for and against the declaration of a national holiday exclusively for Dr. King, to be held on January 15, flourish in number and variety over the years. Even within the camps of those who love Dr. King, "young Turks" fear that the holiday in some way derails Black activism. Similarly, among Dr. King's opponents, positions vary from outright denunciation to cost-efficiency arguments calling for the combining of other figures with King or placing the commemoration a weekend.
Scaling CO2-photosynthesis relationships from the leaf to the canopy.

Responses of individual leaves to short-term changes in CO2 partial pressure have been relatively well studied. Whole-plant and plant community responses to elevated CO2 are less well understood and scaling up from leaves to canopies will be complicated if feedbacks at the small scale differ from feedbacks at the large scale. Mathematical models of leaf, canopy, and ecosystem processes are important tools in the study of effects on plants and ecosystems of global environmental change, and in particular increasing atmospheric CO2, and might be used to scale from leaves to canopies. Models are also important in assessing effects of the biosphere on the atmosphere. Presently, multilayer and big leaf models of canopy photosynthesis and energy exchange exist. Big leaf models — which are advocated here as being applicable to the evaluation of impacts of ‘global change’ on the biosphere — simplify much of the underlying leaf-level physics, physiology, and biochemistry, yet can retain the important features of plant-environment interactions with respect to leaf CO2 exchange processes and are able to make useful, quantitative predictions of canopy and community responses to environmental change. The basis of some big leaf models of photosynthesis, including a new model described herein, is that photosynthetic capacity and activity are scaled vertically within a canopy (by plants themselves) to match approximately the vertical profile of PPFD. The new big leaf model combines physically based models of leaf and canopy level transport processes with a biochemically based model of CO2 assimilation. Predictions made by the model are consistent with canopy CO2 exchange measurements, although a need exists for further testing of this and other canopy physiology models with independent measurements of canopy mass and energy exchange at the time scale of 1 h or less.
LBJ and Mexican Americans: The Paradox of Power

* Acknowledgments * Introduction * Part One. The Texas Scene * One. The Ladder of Success * Two. The New Deal * Three. The "Last Hurrah" for Boss Politics * Four. The Politics of Progress * Five. Democrats of Texas * Part Two. The National Scene * Six. Viva Kennedy! * Seven. Launching the Great Society * Eight. Problems with the Great Society * Nine. Climax * Ten. 1968 * Eleven. Denouement * Notes * Bibliography * Index
Dissecting cooperative calmodulin binding to CaM kinase II: a detailed stochastic model

Calmodulin (CaM) is a major Ca2+ binding protein involved in two opposing processes of synaptic plasticity of CA1 pyramidal neurons: long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). The N- and C-terminal lobes of CaM bind to its target separately but cooperatively and introduce complex dynamics that cannot be well understood by experimental measurement. Using a detailed stochastic model constructed upon experimental data, we have studied the interaction between CaM and Ca2+-CaM-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), a key enzyme underlying LTP. The model suggests that the accelerated binding of one lobe of CaM to CaMKII, when the opposing lobe is already bound to CaMKII, is a critical determinant of the cooperative interaction between Ca2+, CaM, and CaMKII. The model indicates that the target-bound Ca2+ free N-lobe has an extended lifetime and may regulate the Ca2+ response of CaMKII during LTP induction. The model also reveals multiple kinetic pathways which have not been previously predicted for CaM-dissociation from CaMKII.
Applications of thermodynamics for predicting and understanding the performance of fast breeder reactor oxide fuels

Abstract Intergranular corrosion of stainless steel cladding during fast reactor operation appears to be a limiting factor in design of fuel pins. Presently available data can be treated by a simple rate equation with reasonable agreement and the implication is that the rate limiting mechanism is the same in all cases studied. Since some fuel pins perform better than others, the possibility exists that intergranular corrosion can be greatly reduced, thereby increasing the fuel pins' reactor life. Data needed to complete the understanding of this corrosion are described.
Optics of atmospheric haze

By means of a telescopic photometer measurements were made in daylight of b, the brightness of a large approximately blackbody at a distance d=3.2 km, and of h, the brightness of the sky just above the blackbody. For visual ranges v from 3.2 to 15 km the measurements agreed with the theoretical relations v=(1/β) log 1/η and β=(1/d) log (1/(1−b/h), where β is the atmospheric attenuation coefficient, and η is the threshold of brightness contrast, being 0.02 for the usual intensities of daylight illumination. It followed that the ratio of β to the attenuation of optically pure air was 277, 55.4, 27.7, 13.8, 5.54 and 2.77 for v=1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 km, respectively. The angular distribution of light scattered by haze was determined in two ways (1) by measuring the brightness at various angles of a searchlight beam at night, and (2) by measuring the brightness of the horizon sky at various azimuths for a moderately low sun and a cloudless sky. The distribution was much the same for haze ranging from thin to thick. It showed pronounced forward scattering, over three-fourths of the light being scattered in a forward direction and less than one-fourth in a backward direction. Such a scattering distribution would occur from haze particles of various sizes, most of them being of dimensions greater than the wave-lengths of white light.
Confirmatory analysis of buprenorphine, norbuprenorphine, and glucuronide metabolites in plasma by LCMSMS. Application to umbilical cord plasma from buprenorphine-maintained pregnant women

An LCMSMS method was developed and fully validated for the simultaneous quantification of buprenorphine (BUP), norbuprenorphine (NBUP), buprenorphine-glucuronide (BUP-Gluc), and norbuprenorphine-glucuronide (NBUP-Gluc) in 0.5mL plasma, fulfilling confirmation criteria with two transitions for each compound with acceptable relative ion intensities. Transitions monitored were 468.3>396.2 and 468.3>414.3 for BUP, 414.3>340.1 and 414.3>326.0 for NBUP, 644.3>468.1 and 644.3>396.3 for BUP-Gluc, and 590.3>414.3 and 590.3>396.2 for NBUP-Gluc. Linearity was 0.1-50ng/mL for BUP and BUP-Gluc, and 0.5-50ng/mL for NBUP and NBUP-Gluc. Intra-day, inter-day, and total assay imprecision (%RSD) were <16.8%, and analytical recoveries were 88.6-108.7%. Extraction efficiencies ranged from 71.1 to 87.1%, and process efficiencies 48.7 to 127.7%. All compounds showed ion enhancement, except BUP-Gluc that demonstrated ion suppression: variation between 10 different blank plasma specimens was <9.1%. In six umbilical cord plasma specimens from opioid-dependent pregnant women receiving 14-24mg/day BUP, NBUP-Gluc was the predominant metabolite (29.8+/-7.6ng/mL), with BUP-Gluc (4.6+/-4.8ng/mL), NBUP (1.5+/-0.8ng/mL) and BUP (0.4+/-0.2ng/mL). Although BUP biomarkers can be quantified in umbilical cord plasma in low ng/mL concentrations, the significance of these data as predictors of neonatal outcomes is currently unknown.
Current status of antifertility vaccines using gonadotropin immunogens

Immunological methods of birth control are being pursued by several routes. Leading this field are vaccines which may inhibit the function of the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Vaccines using at least three different immunogens and a variety of formulations have been in clinical trials during 1986. In this article Vernon Stevens describes the background of the research in this field, outlines the clinical trials planned or underway to test early hCG vaccine formulations, and gives a personal view of the research still needed to achieve a safe and effective vaccine.
Increased Aortic Calpain-1 Activity Mediates Age- Associated Angiotensin II Signaling of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Background: Angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling, including matrix metalloproteinase type II (MMP2) activation, has been linked to an age-associated increase in migration capacity of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), and to other proinflammatory features of arterial aging. Calpain-1 activation is required for MMP2 expression in fibroblasts and is induced in cardiomyocytes by Ang II. The consequences of engagement of calpain-1 with its substrates, however, in governing the age-associated proinflammatory status within the arterial wall, remains unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings: The present findings demonstrate that transcription, translation, and activity of calpain-1 are significantly up-regulated in rat aortae or early-passage aortic VSMC from old (30-mo) rats compared to young (8-mo). Dual immunolabeling of the arterial wall indicates that colocalization of calpain-1 and Ang II increases within the aged arterial wall. To further explore the relationship of calpain-1 to Ang II, we chronically infused Ang II into young rats, and treated cultured aortic rings or VSMC with Ang II. We also constructed adenoviruses harboring calpain-1 (CANP1) or its endogenous inhibitor calpastatin (CAST) and infected these into VSMC. Ang II induces calpain-1 expression in the aortic walls in vivo and ex vivo and VSMC in vitro. The Ang II mediated, age-associated increased MMP2 activity and migration in VSMC are both blocked by calpain inhibitor 1 or CAST. Over-expression of calpain-1 in young VSMC results in cleavage of intact vimentin, and an increased migratory capacity mimicking that of old VSMC, which is blocked by the MMP inhibitor, GM6001. Conclusions/Significance: Calpain-1 activation is a pivotal molecular event in the age-associated arterial Ang II/MMP2 signaling cascade that is linked to cytoskeleton protein restructuring, and VSMC migration. Therefore, targeting calpain-1 has the potential to delay or reverse the arterial remodeling that underlies age-associated diseases i.e. atherosclerosis.
The diagnosis and management of hereditary spherocytosis

Hereditary spherocytosis (HS) is relatively common in Caucasian populations; most individuals have mild or only moderate disease. There is commonly a family history and a typical clinical and laboratory picture so that the diagnosis is usually easily made without additional laboratory tests. Atypical cases may require measurement of membrane proteins and molecular genetics to clarify the nature of the membrane disorder. It is particularly important to rule out stomatocytosis because splenectomy is contraindicated because of the thrombotic risk. Mild HS can be managed without folate supplements and does not require splenectomy. Moderately and severely affected individuals are likely to benefit from splenectomy, which should be performed after the age of 6 and with appropriate counselling about the risk of infection. In all cases careful dialogue between physician, child and the family is essential. Laparoscopic surgery can result in shorter hospital stay and less pain.
Invasive plant species alters consumer behavior by providing refuge from predation

Understanding the effects of invasive plants on native consumers is important because consumer-mediated indirect effects have the potential to alter the dynamics of coexistence in native communities. Invasive plants may promote changes in consumer pressure due to changes in protective cover (i.e., the architectural complexity of the invaded habitat) and in food availability (i.e., subsidies of fruits and seeds). No experimental studies have evaluated the relative interplay of these two effects. In a factorial experiment, we manipulated cover and food provided by the invasive shrub Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) to evaluate whether this plant alters the foraging activity of native mammals. Using tracking plates to quantify mammalian foraging activity, we found that removal of honeysuckle cover, rather than changes in the fruit resources it provides, reduced the activity of important seed consumers, mice in the genus Peromyscus. Two mesopredators, Procyon lotor and Didelphis virginiana, were also affected. Moreover, we found rodents used L. maackii for cover only on cloudless nights, indicating that the effect of honeysuckle was weather-dependent. Our work provides experimental evidence that this invasive plant species changes habitat characteristics, and in so doing alters the behavior of small- and medium-sized mammals. Changes in seed predator behavior may lead to cascading effects on the seeds that mice consume.
The fibromyalgia syndrome: Musculoskeletal pathophysiology

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain disorder that afflicts predominantly middle-aged women with cardinal symptoms of diffuse musculoskeletal pain, defined tender points, deprived sleep, and fatigue. The etiology and pathological mechanisms are poorly understood, and treatment approaches are largely ineffective. The clinical features of the syndrome are presented, and the relevance of muscle dysfunction in the etiopathogenesis of the disorder is explored. The evidence for involvement of muscle pathophysiology as a primary mechanism mediating the onset of symptoms is not compelling. Musculoskeletal dysfunction can be considered secondary to central abnormalities of pain modulation and altered sleep physiology precipitated by emotional stress in genetically predisposed individuals. Contemporary evidence favors treatment strategies that emphasize pain control, sleep enhancement, and a program of conditioning.
Theoretical Foundations for Enhancing Social Connectedness in Online Learning Environments

Group social structure provides a comfortable and predictable context for interaction in learning environments. Students in face‐to‐face learning environments process social information about others in order to assess traits, predict behaviors, and determine qualifications for assuming particular responsibilities within a group. In online learning environments, however, negotiating social information and maintaining social connectedness can pose challenges for participants. Nonverbal strategies one typically uses for enhancing communication and overcoming ambiguity – such as an approving smile or a questioning brow – must be approached differently while learning online where fewer sensory communication channels are typically available. We present the theoretical foundation for how social information processing and group structure theories may be combined to assist instructional designers in further examining the social system perceived by the online learner. We propose a framework for thinking more system...
Goms on the Flight Deck: A Case Study of the Boeing 777 MCP:

Despite the extensive literature available on GOMS methods for predicting task performance, there are relatively few hands-on examples of GOMS being used in an applied setting. This proof-of-concept paper will describe the use of CPM-GOMS and NGOMSL, in combination with an existing RAFIV, to evaluate the Boeing 777 autoflight system.
International transmission of aggregate shocks under fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes: United Kingdom, France, and Germany, 1959 to 1985

Abstract This paper analyzes the transmission of aggregate shocks between the USA and three major European economies—the UK, France, and Germany —under fixed and flexible exchange rate regimes, using time series techniques. Short-run linkages are investigated in the context of vector autoregression models, while long-run relations are analyzed by testing for cointegration. Empirical findings indicate that flexible exchange rates have not, in general, completely insulated domestic economies from foreign shocks and that the degree of insulation and interdependence, across exchange rate regimes and over the long and short runs, differs substantially across the European countries.
Hyperspherical description of the degenerate Fermi gas: s-wave interactions

We present a unique theoretical description of the physics of the spherically trapped $N$-atom degenerate Fermi gas at zero temperature based on an ordinary Schr\"odinger equation with a microscopic, two-body interaction potential. With a careful choice of coordinates and a variational wave function, the many-body Schr\"odinger equation can be accurately described by a linear, one-dimensional effective Schr\"odinger equation in a single collective coordinate, the rms radius of the gas. Comparisons of the energy, rms radius, and peak density of the ground-state energy are made to those predicted by Hartree-Fock (HF) theory. Also the lowest radial excitation frequency (the breathing mode frequency) agrees with a sum rule calculation, but deviates from a HF prediction.
Beta-adrenergic stimulation of calcium channels occurs by potentiation of high-activity gating modes

Abstract cAMP-dependent phosphorylation clearly increases current through cardiac L-type Ca channels, but the molecular manifestation of this effect remains controversial. Previous work implicates either an increase in the number of functional channels or graded changes in the gating of individual channels. We now find that single cardiac Ca channels display three patterns of activity ("modes") and that isoproterenol or 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate redistributes the relative proportions of modes such that the two most active (mode 1, bursts of brief openings; mode 2, very long-lasting openings) are favored (P less than 0.05; n = 7). Conversely, a pattern of sparse brief openings (mode 0a) is selectively inhibited (P less than 0.01). Despite differences in the relative frequencies of the various modes before and during drug exposure, the gating within each mode is not detectably changed. We conclude that potentiation of highly active modes of Ca channel gating underlies the enhancement of calcium influx by beta-adrenergic stimulation.
Decoupling Datacenter Storage Studies from Access to Large-Scale Applications

Suboptimal storage design has significant cost and power impact in large-scale datacenters (DCs). Performance, power and cost-optimized systems require deep understanding of target workloads, and mechanisms to effectively model different storage design choices. Traditional benchmarking is invalid in cloud data-stores, representative storage profiles are hard to obtain, while replaying applications in different storage configurations is impractical both in cost and time. Despite these issues, current workload generators are not able to reproduce key aspects of real application patterns (e.g., spatial/temporal locality, I/O intensity). In this paper, we propose a modeling and generation framework for large-scale storage applications. As part of this framework we use a state diagram-based storage model, extend it to a hierarchical representation, and implement a tool that consistently recreates DC application I/O loads. We present the principal features of the framework that allow accurate modeling and generation of storage workloads, and the validation process performed against ten original DC application traces. Finally, we explore two practical applications of this methodology: SSD caching and defragmentation benefits on enterprise storage. Since knowledge of the workload's spatial and temporal locality is necessary to model these use cases, our framework was instrumental in quantifying their performance benefits. The proposed methodology provides detailed understanding of the storage activity of large-scale applications, and enables a wide spectrum of storage studies, without the requirement to access application code and full application deployment.
Particle Size Distributions following Condensational Growth in Continuous Flow Aerosol Reactors as Derived from Residence Time Distributions: Theoretical Development and Application to Secondary Organic Aerosol

Condensational growth in continuous flow reactors, such as continuously mixed flow reactors (CMFRs) and flow tube reactors, is widely employed in the field of aerosol science and technology to produce particles for industrial use and scientific research. The development of analytical equations for the number-diameter distribution n(d) of the particles in the outflow from these reactors is advantageous both for the inversion of data sets to obtain thermodynamic and kinetic parameters as well as for the rational design of experiments. In this study, equations are derived that relate the number-diameter distribution n(d) to the probability density function p(t) of particle residence time. Specifically, the condensational growth rate is used to derive n(d) based on p(t). Analytical equations are developed for CMFRs, laminar-flow reactors, and dispersive plug-flow reactors, with a focus on CMFRs. The CMFR equation accurately describes data sets collected for α-pinene and β-caryophyllene ozonolysis in the Harva...
Recovery, behaviour and evolutionary implications of live Monoplacophora

THE Monoplacophora are molluscs with bilateral serially repeated structures1. Their shells occur among the oldest mineralised hard parts in the early Cambrian, and because they are traceable from there only to the mid-Devonian they had been considered extinct2,3. However, in 1957 Lemche4 reported an extant species in the deep sea. By 1972 six further extant species and several taxonomically unassigned specimens had become known from abyssal depths5–10, showing that the Monoplacophora continued to exist in post-mid-Devonian time in the deep sea. These finds also established that such molluscs are widely distributed on the deep-sea floor5–10. Two specimens were obtained about 1,800 m deep, but all others came from between 3,000 and 6,500 m (refs 5–10). McLean has reported a new, minute species obtained from cobbles at depths of 174, 229 and 388 m on the Cortes Ridge off southern California11,12. He is assigning it to the genus Vema. This is the first record of an extant monoplacophoran which, like early Palaeozoic species, inhabits shallow bathyal depths and, like some Silurian species, occurs on a hard substrate13. I report here the recovery of live specimens of this monoplacophoran.
Mucosal antibodies in the regulation of tolerance and allergy to foods

The intestinal mucosa is densely packed with antibody-secreting B cells, the majority of which produce IgA. Mucosal antibodies have traditionally been thought of as neutralizing antibodies that exclude antigens, but they also function in antigen sampling, allowing for selective transcytosis of antigens from the intestinal lumen. IgE-mediated antigen uptake can facilitate the development of allergic reactions to foods, but emerging evidence indicates that IgG-mediated antigen uptake may also play an important role in the development of immune tolerance to foods, particularly in the neonate. This review will focus on the role of intestinal immunoglobulins in the development of clinical tolerance and allergy to food antigens.
THE MONETARY APPROACH TO THE BALANCE OF PAYMENTS AND IMPORTATION OF INFLATION: A FURTHER ANALYSIS AND EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

The main aims of this paper include a revision of the essentials of the monetary approach to the balance of payments by constructing a monetary model, an extension of the model to explain the importation of inflation in an open economy and an application of the formulated model to the two small open economies, the Netherlands and Singapore. The most important contribution of the monetary approach to the balance of payments is its focus on the role of money as opposed to the focus of traditional approaches on the real variables and on the current account of the balance of payments. Influenced originally by Johnson (1972), there have been several theoretical as well as empirical analyses supporting the major contentions of the monetary approach to the balance of payments. Notable among these are Mussa, Frenkel and Johnson (1975), Kemp (1975), Whitman (1975), and Kreinin and Officer (1978). On the basis of common elements enclosed in the writings of these authors, it is possible to construct such a model and then solve it, first, for foreign reserves inflow, and second, for the domestic inflation rate as a dependent variable. This formulation is similar to the ones found in Bhatia (1982) and Salvatore (1983), but is broader in its implications. A check of the validity of the relationships of the monetary model is also attempted by using the annual data of the Netherlands and Singapore.
A Meta-Analysis of the Predictors of Delinquency Among Girls

ABSTRACT This study presents the results of a meta-analysis of the predictors of female delinquency. Typically, literature on male delinquency has been generalized to females. Given the literature indicating that the most effective treatment programs target those areas of offenders' lives that are most related to criminal behavior, the need to understand the causes of female delinquency is imperative. This study found that many of the strong predictors of female delinquency are the same as those for males. These include history of antisocial behavior, antisocial attitudes, antisocial peers, and antisocial personality. Unlike previous meta-analyses, however, school and family relationships and a history of physical and/or sexual assault also appear to be robust predictors of female offending.
Salmonella DNA adenine methylase mutants elicit early and late onset protective immune responses in calves.

Abstract Salmonellosis is an important disease of livestock and Salmonella contamination of livestock-derived food products and effluents pose a significant risk to human health. Salmonella vaccines currently available to prevent salmonellosis in cattle have limited efficacy. Here we evaluated a Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium vaccine strain lacking the DNA adenine methylase (Dam) for safety and efficacy in calves. Vaccination was safe in calves, and following challenge with virulent Typhimurium 4 weeks post-immunization, vaccinated animals exhibited significantly lower mortality, diarrhea, and rectal temperatures, as well as reduced colonization of gastrointestinal tract and visceral organs compared to non-vaccinated control animals. Additionally, early onset protection (competitive exclusion) in vaccinated neonatal calves was demonstrated by attenuated clinical disease (as measured by rectal temperatures and attitude scores) and reduced mortality when challenged with virulent Typhimurium 24 h after immunization. Taken together, these data suggest that vaccination with Salmonella Dam mutant strains confer significant protection against Salmonella infections in cattle via both adaptive immunity and competitive exclusion mechanisms.
Analysis of Pressure Pulses Resulting From Magmatic Activity in the Vicinity of Geothermal Wells

The Krafla geothermal field is located in northeastern Iceland. In December 1975 a rifting episode started in the fissure swarm intersecting the geothermal field. Volcanic activity has been associated with the rifting events. During these events pressure pulses have been recorded in nearby wells. A model based on simple equations describing heat flow in porous media and the pressure diffusivity equation is developed to analyze these pulses. The model is applied to two field cases. The results obtained for transmissivity and formation storage are in good agreement with results obtained from independent well tests.
Effects of Tryptophan Microenvironment, Soluble Domain, and Vesicle Size on the Thermodynamics of Membrane Protein Folding: Lessons from the Transmembrane Protein OmpA

Refolding curves of the integral membrane protein outer membrane protein A (OmpA) were measured to determine the conformational stabilities of this model system for membrane protein folding. Wild-type OmpA exhibits a free energy of unfolding (ΔGH2O°) of 10.5 kcal/mol. Mutants, containing a single tryptophan residue at the native positions 7, 15, 57, 102, or 143, are less stable than wild-type OmpA, with ΔGH2O° values of 6.7, 4.8, 2.4, 4.7, and 2.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The trend observed here is discussed in terms of noncovalent interactions, including aromatic interactions and hydrogen bonding. The effect of the soluble tail on the conformational stability of the transmembrane domain of OmpA was also investigated via truncated single-Trp mutants; ΔGH2O° values for four of the five truncated mutants are greater by >2.7 kcal/mol relative to the full-length versions, suggesting that the absence of the soluble domain may destabilize the unfolded transmembrane domain. Finally, dynamic light scattering exper...
The fate of the biomimetic cation triaqua-μ-oxohexapropionatotrichromium(III) in rats

Abstract The synthetic biomimetic triaqua-μ-oxohexapropionatotrichromium(III) nitrate when given intravenously to rats lowers fasting blood plasma triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations; thus, the cation has the potential to serve as a therapeutic agent. Its ability to function in vivo presumably is dependent on its ability to mimic the action of the natural, bioactive, chromium-binding oligopeptide chromodulin in stimulating insulin receptor kinase activity. Consequently, the cation should be incorporated into insulin-sensitive cells intact. Thus, the fate of the 51Cr-labeled complex during the first 24 h after injection in tissues, blood, urine, and feces was followed. The complex appears to be readily incorporated into tissues and cells. In hepatocytes, the cation is efficiently transported into microsomes where its concentration reaches a maximum in approximately 2 h.
Technology‐related research in HRD publications: An analysis of content and metaperspectives from 2000 to 2006

This study explores the presence of technology-related research in HRD, identifies what the research addressed, and analyzes how the research was addressed. We reviewed 1,675 papers in five publications. During the seven-year period examined, 169 articles were technology-related. Through a content analysis, we identified the topics of those articles, methodological approaches, organizational settings represented in the research, the fields of the researchers, and the papers' orientation toward research and practice. In comparison to the total articles in each publication, the highest percentage of technology research was published in conference proceedings.
Power and the Praise Poem: Southern African Voices in History

The invention of "oral man" - anthropology, lietrary theory and a Western intellectual tradition "maps of experience" - songs and poetry in Southern Africa the development of forms - Ndebele royal praises the development of forms - the Chopi Migodo Swazi royal praises - the invention of tradition "Paiva" - the history of a song the possession of the dispossessed - songs as history among Tumbuka women of chameleons and clowns - the case of Jack Mapanje.
Human Stn1 protects telomere integrity by promoting efficient lagging-strand synthesis at telomeres and mediating C-strand fill-in

Telomere maintenance is critical for genome stability. The newly-identified Ctc1/Stn1/Ten1 complex is important for telomere maintenance, though its precise role is unclear. We report here that depletion of hStn1 induces catastrophic telomere shortening, DNA damage response, and early senescence in human somatic cells. These phenotypes are likely due to the essential role of hStn1 in promoting efficient replication of lagging-strand telomeric DNA. Downregulation of hStn1 accumulates single-stranded G-rich DNA specifically at lagging-strand telomeres, increases telomere fragility, hinders telomere DNA synthesis, as well as delays and compromises telomeric C-strand synthesis. We further show that hStn1 deficiency leads to persistent and elevated association of DNA polymerase α (polα) to telomeres, suggesting that hStn1 may modulate the DNA synthesis activity of polα rather than controlling the loading of polα to telomeres. Additionally, our data suggest that hStn1 is unlikely to be part of the telomere capping complex. We propose that the hStn1 assists DNA polymerases to efficiently duplicate lagging-strand telomeres in order to achieve complete synthesis of telomeric DNA, therefore preventing rapid telomere loss.
Enhancing Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide Rutting-Performance Predictions with Hamburg Wheel-Tracking Results

To analyze the effects of mix production variability on pavement rutting, this paper compares predictions from the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) with test results from the Hamburg wheel-tracking device (HWTD). An experiment was conducted during research to establish correlations effectively between the two methods. The experiment consisted of using volumetric data to model asphalt mixes and pavement structures in the MEPDG and to evaluate the sensitivity of these mixes in comparison to results obtained in the laboratory under the HWTD. The research study analyzed two limestone mixes: a coarse, dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (Type C) and a fine, dense-graded hot-mix asphalt (Type D), as defined in the 2004 Texas Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Construction and Maintenance of Highways, Streets, and Bridges. The research found that the permanent deformation model embedded in the MEPDG supported the general performance trend observed in the laboratory under the HWT...
Hydrodynamic mechanisms of cell and particle trapping in microfluidics

Focusing and sorting cells and particles utilizing microfluidic phenomena have been flourishing areas of development in recent years. These processes are largely beneficial in biomedical applications and fundamental studies of cell biology as they provide cost-effective and point-of-care miniaturized diagnostic devices and rare cell enrichment techniques. Due to inherent problems of isolation methods based on the biomarkers and antigens, separation approaches exploiting physical characteristics of cells of interest, such as size, deformability, and electric and magnetic properties, have gained currency in many medical assays. Here, we present an overview of the cell/particle sorting techniques by harnessing intrinsic hydrodynamic effects in microchannels. Our emphasis is on the underlying fluid dynamical mechanisms causing cross stream migration of objects in shear and vortical flows. We also highlight the advantages and drawbacks of each method in terms of throughput, separation efficiency, and cell viability. Finally, we discuss the future research areas for extending the scope of hydrodynamic mechanisms and exploring new physical directions for microfluidic applications.
Vector dominance model and the P, P' and a regge-pole trajectory effects in high energy compton scattering

Abstract The forward Compton scattering is investigated assuming that the high energy scattering of the ϱ°, ω and Φ mesons is dominated by the exchanges of the P, P′ and A trajectories. Reasonable agreement with experiment has been obtained.
Social Control and Emotions

This is the first article in Symbolic Interaction's symposium in tribute to Tamotsu (Tom) Shibutani (1920–2004). The author, a student in Shibutani's graduate course on social control, discusses his teacher's ideas and their evolution into his own. The article provides ample basis for the author's observation: a scholar's contribution can be measured not only by the cumulative corpus of his or her published work, but also by the influence that this individual has had on the work of others.
Undescended testes: does age at orchiopexy affect survival of the testis?

Abstract Purpose The optimal age at which to perform orchiopexy for cryptorchidism has long been debated. The aim of this study was to determine if age at orchiopexy affected testicular atrophy. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing orchiopexy from 2000 to 2010 was conducted. An individual testis, rather than patient, was used as the dependent variable. A total of 349 testicles from 1126 charts (ICD-9=752.51) were identified. Primary study outcome was testicular survival without atrophy. Results Mean follow up for the study was 25months. There was postoperative atrophy in 27 testes (7.7%). Intraabdominal testicle was independently associated with increased postsurgical atrophy (p Conclusions From this study we conclude that there is no increase in testicular atrophy in patients less than 13months.
Effects Of Induced Post-ischemic Phosphorylation On Action Potential Propagation In Mouse Neonatal Cardiomyocytes

Intracellular events triggered by protein phosphorylation and kinase translocation have been reported to help preventing larger cardiac tissue damage. Our objective was to determine if immediate changes in phosphorylation post-infarction, resembling clinical treatments could affect conduction velocity and further cardiac protection.Cardiomyocytes from 0-2 day old mice pups were grown on 64 Micro-Electrode Arrays (MEAs; MES, Germany). The MEAs recorded action potential (AP) propagation produced by neonatal cardiomyocytes isolated and culture for 2 days. Myocytes were subjected to ischemia by placing a 13mm glass round cover-slip over the preparation for 45 minutes and recordings were made during and after cover-slip removal. After the ischemic event, random groups were treated with 300nM TPA to induce phosphorylation for one hour. TPA was removed and both groups were incubated for 24 hours. Following incubation cells were subjected to another ischemic event. Recordings were done after the ischemic event and again thirty minutes later. Conduction velocity (CV) was averaged from all electrodes.Phosphorylation and kinase translocation has been known to protect cardiocytes during ischemic preconditioning. We now present conditions where phosphorylation can actually be detrimental if induced after an ischemic event. At the 24 hour point, the control group had recovered AP CV by 99±2% (mean±SE) compared to the TPA treated group which recovered to 56±8%. The TPA treated group then showed only an average of 14±7% decrease in AP CV and AP amplitude upon administering the second ischemic event whereas the control group AP CV decreased by an average of 55%±9. When induced early after an ischemic event, phosphorylation results protective to maintain CV but appears to become detrimental for cellular survival.
Control of Distributed Processes

Cost-effective control of distributed computing systems requires practical models for reassigning program modules among the processors in real time.
Growth retardation and emotional deprivation: relative resistance to treatment with human growth hormone.

A diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency was made in a Caucasian girl at age 5 5/12 years. In the 17 months before beginning growth hormone treatment she grew 2.6 cm. (1.8 cm. per year). When growth hormone was administered for 18 months, her gowth rate was 6.9 cm. per year. This response was significantly below the average growth rate of nine growth hormone—deficient patients receiving similar therapy. During this time it became apparent that the patient's growth retardation was associated with emotional deprivation. She was observed for 18 months without treatment during which she grew only 0.6 cm. She was then sent to live with an aunt where she received no growth hormone. Over the next 9 month period she grew 12.7 cm. (16.1 cm. per year). These observations suggest that relative resistance to growth hormone may play a significant role in the dwarfism associated with environmental deprivation.
Assessment of structural features of the pseudomonas siderophore pyochelin required for its ability to promote oxidant-mediated endothelial cell injury.

We previously showed that iron chelated to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa siderophore pyochelin enhances oxidant-mediated injury to pulmonary artery endothelial cells by catalyzing hydroxyl radical (HO(*)) formation. Therefore, we examined pyochelin structural/chemical features that may be important in this process. Five pyochelin analogues were examined for (i) capacity to accentuate oxidant-mediated endothelial cell injury, (ii) HO(*) catalytic ability, (iii) iron transfer to endothelial cells, and (iv) hydrophobicity. All compounds catalyzed similar HO(*) production, but only the hydrophobic ones containing a thiazolidine ring enhanced cell injury. Transfer of iron to endothelial cells did not correlate with cytotoxicity. Finally, binding of Fe(3+) by pyochelin led to Fe(2+) formation, perhaps explaining how Fe(3+)-pyochelin augments H(2)O(2)-mediated cell injury via HO(*) formation. The ability to bind iron in a catalytic form and the molecule's thiazolidine ring, which increases its hydrophobicity, are key to pyochelin's cytotoxicity. Reduction of Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) may also be important.
Oxide-Dependent Adsorption of a Model Membrane Phospholipid, Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine: Bulk Adsorption Isotherms

The importance of substrate chemistry and structure on supported phospholipid bilayer design and functionality is only recently being recognized. Our goal is to investigate systematically the substrate-dependence of phospholipid adsorption with an emphasis on oxide surface chemistry and to determine the dominant controlling forces. We obtained bulk adsorption isotherms at 55 °C for dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) at pH values of 5.0, 7.2, and 9.0 and at two ionic strengths with and without Ca2+, on quartz (α-SiO2), rutile (α-TiO2), and corundum (α-Al2O3), which represent a wide a range of points of zero charge (PZC). Adsorption was strongly oxide- and pH-dependent. At pH 5.0, adsorption increased as quartz < rutile ≈ corundum, while at pH 7.2 and 9.0, the trend was quartz ≈ rutile < corundum. Adsorption decreased with increasing pH (increasing negative surface charge), although adsorption occurred even at pH ≥ PZC of the oxides. These trends indicate that adsorption is controlled by attractive van d...