cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
pGh9:ISS1 transpositional mutations in Streptococcus uberis UT888 causes reduced bacterial adherence to and internalization into bovine mammary epithelial cells

Streptococcus uberis is an important mastitis pathogen that affects dairy cows worldwide. In spite of the economic impact caused by the high prevalence of S. uberis intramammary infections (IMI) in many well-managed dairy herds, pathogenic strategies and associated virulence factors of S. uberis are not well understood. It has been shown that S. uberis attaches to and internalizes into mammary epithelial cells and can survive inside cells for extended periods of time. We hypothesize that early attachment to and internalization into mammary epithelial cells is a critical step for the establishment of intramammary infection. The aim of this study is to identify and characterize chromosomally encoded virulence factors of S. uberis that allow early bacterial attachment to and internalization into mammary epithelial cells. A common approach used to identify virulence factors is by generating random insertion mutants that are defective in adherence to and internalization into mammary epithelial cells using pGh9:ISS1 mutagenesis system. A random insertion mutant library of S. uberis strain UT888 was created using a thermo-sensitive plasmid pGh9:ISS1 carrying ISS1 insertion sequence. Integration of the insertion sequence into the chromosome of these mutant clones was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot. Southern blot analysis of mutant clones also showed that insertional integration was random. Of 1000 random chromosomal insertion mutants of S. uberis strain UT888 screened, 32 had significantly reduced ability to adhere to and internalize into mammary epithelial cells. Chromosomal mapping of insertion sequence integration sites in some of these defective mutants showed integration into penicillin binding protein 2A (pbp2A), sensor histidine kinase, tetR family regulatory protein, phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase catalytic subunit (purE), lactose phosphotransferase, phosphoribosylamine glycine ligase (purD), and other genes involved in metabolic activities. These proteins may have a significant role in early bacterial colonization of the mammary gland during infection.
Novel light-emitting organic materials with variable electron and hole conductivities

Novel organic materials are constructed by attaching monodisperse oligofluorenes to a hole- or an electron-conducting core through a flexible spacer. These materials exhibit desirable properties for use in polarized and unpolarized light-emitting diodes, such as the ability to form morphologically stable glassy liquid crystalline and amorphous films with elevated glass transition temperatures, capability for full-color emission, tunability of charge injection and transport, and ultimately achieving superior OLED device efficiency and lifetime.
Biomineralization and Size Control of Stable Calcium Phosphate Core Protein Shell Nanoparticles: Potential for Vaccine Applications

Calcium phosphate (CaP) polymorphs are nontoxic, biocompatible and hold promise in applications ranging from hard tissue regeneration to drug delivery and vaccine design. Yet, simple and robust routes for the synthesis of protein-coated CaP nanoparticles in the sub-100 nm size range remain elusive. Here, we used cell surface display to identify disulfide-constrained CaP binding peptides that, when inserted within the active site loop of Escherichia coli thioredoxin 1 (TrxA), readily and reproducibly drive the production of nanoparticles that are 50–70 nm in hydrodynamic diameter and consist of an approximately 25 nm amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) core stabilized by the protein shell. Like bone and enamel proteins implicated in biological apatite formation, peptides supporting nanoparticle production were acidic. They also required presentation in a loop for high-affinity ACP binding as elimination of the disulfide bridge caused a nearly 3-fold increase in hydrodynamic diameters. When compared to a comm...
Smad3‐Deficient Chondrocytes Have Enhanced BMP Signaling and Accelerated Differentiation

Smad3 deficiency accelerates chondrocyte maturation and leads to osteoarthritis. Primary chondrocytes without Smad3 lack compensatory increases of TGF-β signaling factors, but BMP- related gene expression is increased. Smad2 or Smad3 overexpression and BMP blockade abrogate accelerated maturation in Smad3 −/− chondrocytes. BMP signaling is increased in TGF-β deficiency and is required for accelerated chondrocyte maturation. Introduction—Disruption of TGF-β signaling results in accelerated chondrocyte maturation and leads to postnatal dwarfism and premature osteoarthritis. The mechanisms involved in this process were studied using in vitro murine chondrocyte cultures. Materials and Methods—Primary chondrocytes were isolated from the sterna of neonatal wildtype and Smad3 −/− mice. Expressions of maturational markers, as well as genes involved in TGF-β and BMP signaling were examined. Chondrocytes were treated with TGF-β and BMP-2, and effects on maturation-related genes and BMP/TGF-β responsive reporters were examined. Recombinant noggin or retroviral vectors expressing Smad2 or Smad3 were added to the cultures. Results—Expression of colX and other maturational markers was markedly increased in Smad3 −/− chondrocytes. Smad3 −/− chondrocytes lacked compensatory increases in Smad2, Smad4, TGFRII, Sno, or Smurf2 and had reduced expression of TGF-β 1 and TGFRI. In contrast, Smad1, Smad5, BMP2, and BMP6 expression was increased, suggesting a shift from TGF-β toward BMP signaling. In Smad3 −/− chondrocytes, alternative TGF-β signaling pathways remained responsive, as shown by luciferase assays. These non-Smad3-dependent TGF-β pathways reduced colX expression and alkaline phosphatase activity in TGF-β-treated Smad3 −/− cultures, but only partially. In contrast, Smad3 −/− chondrocytes were more responsive to BMP-2 treatment and had increased colX expression, phosphoSmads 1, 5, and 8 levels, and luciferase reporter activity. Overexpression of both Smad2 and Smad3 blocked spontaneous maturation in Smad3-deficient chondrocytes. Maturation was also abrogated by the addition of noggin, an extracellular BMP inhibitor.
The comprehension of wh-questions in children with specific language impairment.

Current theories of specific language impairment (SLI) in children fall into 2 general classes: those that attribute SLI to processing limitations and those that attribute the disorder to deficits ...
Examining User-Created Description in the Archival Profession

Interest in user-created metadata has increased in recent years. In 2009–2010 the RLG Partner Social Metadata Working Group examined the social metadata practices of libraries, archives, and museums worldwide. They found that more than half of studied institutions improve metadata with user-created description. This article presents the results of a survey conducted in January and February 2013 on the social metadata practices of North American archival and special collections repositories. To what extent are archives allowing users to provide descriptive metadata using Web 2.0 technologies? Is user-generated content integrated into finding aids, catalog records, or other authoritative metadata record? How do archives solicit such user engagement? Are archivists satisfied with the level of interaction their digitized content receives? This article reviews case studies on archival Web 2.0 initiatives and compares the findings of the Working Group's reports with the 2013 survey regarding user-created descri...
Designer-authored histories: Graphic design at the goldstein museum of design

The idea that graphic designers could, and would, create their own histories through their writing, designing, and publishing can be found throughout the twentieth century. Whether documentary, reflective, expressive, critical, self-promotional, comparative, or visionary, designers have harnessed the means of production to state their views in print—a concept and a practice that parallels most of the discipline’s growth and maturity. Jan Tschichold’s influential New Typography, published in 1928, Eric Gill’s polemical book, An Essay on Typography, from 1931, and Willem Sandberg’s Experimenta Typografica books, begun in the 1940s, are just a few early examples that illustrate how graphic designers and typographers have advanced their ideas through self-authorship. On the intellectual heels of deconstruction, semiotics, conceptual art, and postmodernism, and enabled by new technologies for the creation, production, and distribution of designed artifacts, more graphic designers began to produce self-initiated work in the century’s latter decades. However, it was not until the early to mid-1990s that formal theories about design authorship emerged. Among the tenets posited by design authorship’s framers were redefining the design process, opening new avenues for collaboration, building stronger relationships between visual form and literal content, expanding the space for personal expression, creating a greater level of social and political engagement, and finding more opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures. In 1995 and 1996, in particular, Emigre magazine’s issues devoted to “Clamor over Design and Writing,“ the exhibition, Designer as Author: Voices and Visions, held at Northern Kentucky University (Fig. 1), and the Eye magazine article, “The Designer as Author,” fueled the debate.1 When one considers the plethora of commercial graphic design in everyday life, how might a narrowly defined area like design authorship be relevant to the discipline’s study and research? Before trying to answer, some background on the context for a collection of designer-authored histories follows. This essay explores a range of examples of works, held in the Goldstein Museum of Design at the University of Minnesota, that exemplify key moments in the history of graphic design authorship. In addition, selected works will be examined that prompted debates, mainly in the design
A critical ligamentous mechanism in the evolution of avian flight

The long-running debate on the evolution of flying birds from non-flying ancestors has tended to focus on different aspects of wing function in isolation. But now a combination of comparative anatomy, three-dimensional scanning and mechanical measurements has been used to identify an anatomical feature that may have been a key step in the evolution of true controlled flight. The acrocoracohumeral ligament is a ring of fibrous tissue that stabilizes the wing against downward dislocation, and as it is non-muscular, does so without effort. This ligament is either missing or poorly developed in extinct early birds such as Archaeopteryx, so they would have needed to use muscular effort to sustain steady flight. Despite recent advances in aerodynamic1,2, neuromuscular3,4,5 and kinematic6,7 aspects of avian flight and dozens of relevant fossil discoveries8, the origin of aerial locomotion and the transition from limbs to wings continue to be debated9,10. Interpreting this transition depends on understanding the mechanical interplay of forces in living birds, particularly at the shoulder where most wing motion takes place. Shoulder function depends on a balance of forces from muscles, ligaments and articular cartilages, as well as inertial, gravitational and aerodynamic loads on the wing11. Here we show that the force balance system of the shoulder evolved from a primarily muscular mechanism to one in which the acrocoracohumeral ligament has a critical role. Features of the shoulder of Mesozoic birds and closely related theropod dinosaurs indicate that the evolution of flight preceded the acquisition of the ligament-based force balance system and that some basal birds are intermediate in shoulder morphology.
The Three-Dimensional Approach to Neuropsychiatric Assessment

Brain–behavior relationships form the foundation for clinical assessment in neuropsychiatry and behavioral neurology. The complexity of the brain and its clinical disorders makes it important to have a systematic and useful way to apply them. This article introduces the three-dimensional approach to neuropsychiatric assessment (3DA), a process-based approach to integrating brain–behavior relationships into clinical activity. The 3DA is a simple, four-step process for teaching these relationships and their clinical use. The four steps are 1) Explain the principle of localization; first, as applied in general neurology; then, as applied to behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry; 2) Review brain–behavior relationships in three dimensions: laterality (left–right), anteriority (anterior–posterior), and verticality (cortical–subcortical); 3) Introduce the “frontal–subcortical paradox” (subcortical dysfunction may cause what many know as “frontal lobe” signs) and its explanation (the neurobehavioral correlates...
Direct binding of CoREST1 to SUMO-2/3 contributes to gene-specific repression by the LSD1/CoREST1/HDAC complex.

Summary Posttranslational modification of transcription factors by the small ubiquitin-related modifier SUMO is associated with transcriptional repression, but the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely described. We have identified binding of the LSD1/CoREST1/HDAC corepressor complex to SUMO-2. Here we show that CoREST1 binds directly and noncovalently to SUMO-2, but not SUMO-1, and CoREST1 bridges binding of the histone demethylase LSD1 to SUMO-2. Depletion of SUMO-2/3 conjugates led to transcriptional derepression, reduced occupancy of CoREST1 and LSD1, and changes in histone methylation and acetylation at some, but not all, LSD1/CoREST1/HDAC target genes. We have identified a nonconsensus SUMO-interaction motif (SIM) in CoREST1 required for SUMO-2 binding, and we show that mutation of the CoREST1 SIM disrupted SUMO-2 binding and transcriptional repression of some neuronal-specific genes in nonneuronal cells. Our results reveal that direct interactions between CoREST1 and SUMO-2 mediate SUMO-dependent changes in chromatin structure and transcription that are important for cell-type-specific gene expression.
Chromosome changes in bladder cancer: clinical and other correlations.

Abstract The chromosome changes in bladder cancer are reviewed with particular emphasis on the application of recent advances in techniques for cytogenetic analyses of bladder cancer and the establishment of nonrandom (specific) karyotypic changes characterizing a significant number of bladder cancers. At present, these groups are characterized by one of the following cytogenetic changes: i(5p), +7, or −9. The results are discussed in relation to the significance of these changes and possible involvement of some oncogenes and other gene loci.
Relation of Cheese-Making Operations to Survival and Growth of Staphylococcus aureus in Different Varieties of Cheese

Summary Tests were made to determine the effect of manufacturing procedures for specific varieties of cheese on the growth and survival of Staphylococcus aureus (MF31) organisms added to milk at the start of the process. The staphylococcal count was approximately 1×10 5 /ml milk. Cheddar, Colby, Swiss-type, Limburger, and Cottage cheese by two methods were made. Conditions of manufacture of each variety were favorable for the growth of S. aureus and significant increases occurred at specific stages. In general, the organisms were concentrated in the curd and increased in number until the cheese was salted. After pressing the curd, another increase might occur during the first 21 days of aging. A decrease would then take place, which generally continued throughout aging. At no time, however, did the S. aureus count become zero during aging. Staphylococci were not recovered from fresh Cottage cheese after it had been cooked at 130F for 40min at pH 4.5. However, when the curd was stored dry or creamed for ten days at either 40 or 50F, viable S. aureus organisms were recovered. Nevertheless, the manufacturing procedure for Cottage cheese was the only effective one in destroying S. aureus .
Constrained Iterative Speech Enhancement Using Phonetic Classes

The degree of influence of noise over phonemes is not uniform since it is dependent on their distinct acoustic properties. In this study, the problem of selectively enhancing speech based on broad phoneme classes is addressed using Auto-(LSP), a constrained iterative speech enhancement algorithm. Multiple enhanced utterances are generated for every noisy utterance by varying the Auto-LSP parameters. The noisy utterance is then partitioned into segments based on broad level phoneme classes, and constraints are applied on each segment using a hard decision solution. To alleviate the effect of hard decision errors, a Gaussian mixture model (GMM)-based maximum-likelihood (ML) soft decision solution is also presented. The resulting utterances are evaluated over the TIMIT speech corpus using the Itakura-Saito, segmental signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and perceptual evaluation of speech quality (PESQ) metrics over four noise types at three SNR levels. Comparative assessment over baseline enhancement algorithms like Auto-LSP, log-minimum mean squared error (log-MMSE), and log-MMSE with speech presence uncertainty (log-MMSE-SPU) demonstrate that the proposed solution exhibits greater consistency in improving speech quality over most phoneme classes and noise types considered in this study.
Apoptosis in the regenerate produced by mandibular osteodistraction in the mature rat.

UNLABELLED: AUTHORS: Liu ZJ, Anderson MW, Gu GM, King GJ. OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the contribution of apoptosis to the formation of the regenerate in distraction osteogenesis. This study investigated the role of apoptosis in the regulation of osteogenesis in relation to mandibular distraction rate and recovery time. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-nine 3-month rats received unilateral mandibular ramus osteotomy and distraction device placement. After 3-day latency, these were distracted for 5 days. The slow group was distracted a total of 1 mm (0.2 mm/day), the moderate 2 mm (0.4 mm/day), the rapid 3 mm (0.6 mm/day), and the sham was not distracted (0.0 mm/day). Eight to nine rats from each group were killed at 6 (mid-distraction), 10 (early-consolidation), 24 (mid-consolidation) and 38 (late-consolidation) days following device placement. Baseline data were obtained from an additional eight rats killed at day 3 (end of latency). Sagittal sections (7 mum) of the harvested hemi-mandibles were embedded in paraffin, double-stained with the DeadEnd(TM) Colorimetric TUNEL system for apoptotic cells and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase for osteoclasts. Cell counts of apoptotic cells and osteoclasts (apoptotic or otherwise) were preformed at 40x magnification using a calibrated grid at the middle regions of the caudal, central and rostral parts of the distraction gap. Counting reproducibility was verified as <13%. RESULTS: Counts from all three regions were combined because no significant regional difference was found. The majority of the fibrous matrix regenerate was seen at days 6 and 10 while osseous regenerate occurred mainly at days 24 and 38. Significantly higher levels of apoptotic activity were seen at day 24. Apoptotic osteoclasts also peaked at day 24. Apoptotic cell numbers in the slow and moderate groups most closely followed the pattern of the sham in which the apoptosis activity peaked at days 10 or 24. However, those in the rapid group showed delayed peaks at days 24 or 38. CONCLUSIONS: Chalmers Street, Surry Hill, NSW 2010, Australia. gshe6437@mail.usyd.edu.au The transition from fibrous to osseous regenerate during mandibular distraction osteogenesis is accompanied by an increase in cell clearance via apoptosis. A slow to moderate distraction rate allows for the most typical pattern of bone healing while a rapid rate prolongs the healing process.
Trap design for insertable second-nuclei radiofrequency coils for magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

The application of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in metabolic studies usually includes concurrent operation at two different frequencies to enable excitation and detection of two different nuclei. When using separate radiofrequency coils for the multinuclear excitation, coupling between the two coils has been shown to be a problem, resulting in resonance frequency shifting and reduced sensitivity of the 1H coil. Among the methods to reduce this coupling is the placement of an 1H trap on the second-nuclei coil. This article presents the benefits of this method, specifically in this case for 31P imaging/spectroscopy, through modeling results, bench measurements, imaging, and spectra acquisition. The use of a resonant trap in conjunction with a modular design permitted the insertion of the phosphorus coil as an “add-on” into multiple existing proton coils, suggesting particular applicability in the high-field arena, where spectroscopy holds great promise, but where proton coil design complexity exists that is not easily re-engineered for dual-nuclei use. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 35B: 121–132, 2009
US and EC agricultural trade policies: Confrontation or negotiation?

The current American and European mutual accusations of agricultural protectionism are an obvious case of the pot calling the kettle black. What series of events led up to this confrontation? And how can the conflict situation be eased?
Income distribution and investment

Abstract After being the subject of a heated debate during the sixties and the seventies, the relation between income distribution and growth has received renewed attention in recent years. The new literature has focused on three channels whereby this relation can occur: imperfections in capital markets, voting on fiscal policy, and political instability. In all these approaches, growth in or outside the steady-state is the result of investment in physical or human capital. Therefore, these theories can also be stated and tested in terms of the effects of income distribution on investment. This has the double advantage of reducing the complexity of a necessarily brief survey and of bringing out more clearly the main elements of novelty in this literature. So far, empirical implementations of these theories have in general been restricted to reduced form regressions of growth (or equivalently, investment) on income distribution and other variables. In this survey I take a step further and test the three approaches by explicitly estimating the role of the imperfections in capital markets, of government expenditure and of political instability in mediating the effects of income distribution on investment.
Interdisciplinary population projects in a first semester calculus course

ABSTRACT We discuss how applications from microbiology and sociology can be used to involve students and give a physical context for critical concepts in a first semester calculus course. Using data they collect themselves (from bacteria or yeast grown in a laboratory, for example), students develop elementary models of population growth in interdisciplinary class projects. Using the tools of calculus, demographic software, and available technology (CAS or graphing calculator), students then proceed from “microcosm to macrocosm,” moving from biology to sociology, to address questions of human population projections.
Acoustic Properties of Solid-Liquid Mixtures and the Limits of Ultrasound Diagnostics—I: Experiments (Data Bank Contribution)

Ultrasound as a technique for interrogating two-phase mixtures has the advantages of being nonintrusive, it has a very high frequency response, and is able to penetrate typically opaque highly concentrated mixtures. There exists, however, an inherent compromise in the choice of the frequency of the ultrasound between maximizing spatial resolution and ensuring adequate beam penetration. To this end, the propagation of ultrasound in solid-liquid mixtures has been investigated experimentally for a range of frequencies and concentrations of the dispersed phase. The measured attenuation has been shown to depend roughly linearly on frequency for 0.1 0.75. As a function of solids concentration, the attenuation displays a maximum at a solids fraction of about 30 percent for the present system of silica beads in water. This robust and reproducible result contradicts models of attenuation that rely on linear superposition of single particle effects. The intensity field produced by a circular disk transducer in a two phase medium at kr~1 shows excellent agreement with the Rayleigh integral with a modified wavenumber and attenuation parameter, and it allows for the prediction of the transducer beam geometry in two phase mixtures for a wide range of frequencies and solids fractions. The limitations of ultrasonic wave propagation as a nonintrusive diagnostic technique, in terms of spatial resolution, have been discussed. Acknowledging these limitations, an ultrasonic instrument for determining the velocity of moving particles at or near maximum packing was built. Preliminary results from this prototypical ultrasonic Doppler velocimeter show good agreement with observations of the settling velocity of silica beads at high concentrations.
Developmentally universal practice: visioning innovative early childhood pedagogy for meeting the needs of diverse learners

Although developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) has strong merits, there are considerations pertaining to its development and implementation which must be raised. In order for educators to include diverse voices of young children, the time has come for a new conversation to unfold introducing developmentally universal practice (DUP). With this new discourse, DUP would be considered a framework for early childhood pedagogy by supporting creative possibilities for teaching and learning, providing leadership and guidance for children, and addressing issues regarding diversity and inclusion. DUP would focus on intentional high-quality activities and promote equal access for young children, birth to age 8. This evaluative paper will address characteristics of DUP and using DUP for a variety of learners both from diverse cultural and/or linguistic backgrounds. A section is also devoted to relational pedagogy and preparing teachers to teach DUP with instructional strategies for early learning environments.
Immunosuppression and ablastin.

Abstract Ablastin formed by animals in response to infections by rodent trypanosomes possesses the characteristics of an antibody. Partial resistance to Trypanosoma lewisi is demonstrable in animals previously injected with live Trypanosoma musculi . Antisera from T. musculi infected mice do not inhibit reproduction by T. lewisi bloodstream forms in vitro as efficiently as homologous antisera collected at similar times during infections, indicating a degree of specificity. Ablastin activity in antisera is not altered by treatment with 2-mercaptoethanol or by heatng at 60 °C for 3 hr. Sephadex G-200 gel filtration of early and late antisera from T. lewisi infected rats and assays with bloodstream forms cultured at 37 °C detect ablastin activity in the second major fraction eluted from the columns. Ablastin appears to be an antibody of the immunoglobulin G species. Immunosuppressant procedures utilized in studies of the host responses to rodent trypanosomes are reviewed and include: chemical agents, irradiation, splenectomy, reticuloendothelia blockade and thymectomy, and treatment with antilymphocyte and antithymocyte sera. Evaluation of the results of the application of these procedures to rodent parasite systems indicates ablastin is an antibody and supports the concept that the inhibition of trypanosome reproduction is separate and distinct from the first trypanocidal event responsible for the decreasing parasitemias observed during the infections. Recent studies concur and suggest that the first crisis in the infections is mediated by the combined actions of a thymus-dependent ablastin and a thymus-independent trypanocidal antibody.
Cellular Wave Computing the Multi-channel Mammalian Retina Model by the Bi-I Camera-computer

This demo displays a retina exploration system. The system is designed to explore and understand the essence of the retina channels and offers a potential input transformation for retinal implants [1] The primary motivation was to deduce a simple algorithmic skeleton from neurobiological measurements [2]. The model is tuned for several different retina channels with less than one-half percent spatial-temporal error The implementation platform of our novel neuromorphic retina model is the Bi-I [3] The Bi-I computer, containing the ACE16k CNN-UM [4] and DSP chips computes our parallel multi-channel model in video real-time. The on-line control is provided by external controllers to enable changing parameters on-line. The system will be available to experimentation.
The use of product owner manuals: A comparison of older versus younger consumers

The present study addresses a relatively unexplored area by examining older consumers' interface with product owner manuals. Specifically, compared to younger consumers, seniors evidenced significantly greater usage of manuals and readership of specific sections. Overall, regression analyses utilizing context, product characteristic, product familiarity, general perceptions of manuals and demographic variables as predictors of manual use found prior knowledge and the perception that manuals are helpful to be among the most significant variables explaining readership. In general, these same variables reflect the extent of overlap between factors explaining manual usage for both older and younger consumers. Relevant literature from related domains provides the context for a discussion of findings and areas for future research.
Characterization of a substance in rat serum which modulates prolactin release in vitro.

Abstract A prolactin (PRL) inhibitory substance(s) present in rat serum has previously been shown to inhibit the release of PRL from rat pituitary cells in vitro (Hymer and Signorella, 1981). In this study, addition of rat serum to rat pituitary cells cultured in serum-free medium inhibited the release of PRL in dose-dependent manner. Neither the form of the released PRL molecule, nor its biological or immunological activity, was altered by rat serum treatment. Serum prepared from clotted blood previously incubated at 37°C always contained more PRL inhibitory activity than serum from blood incubated at 4°C; whole blood serum, but not plasma-derived serum, contained inhibitory activity. The inhibitor therefore comes from a formed element in the blood. Results of several experiments indicated that buffy coat cells, adherent blood cells and peritoneal cells released the inhibitor, but platelets and RBCs did not; it is suggested that a macrophage/monocyte is probably the cellular source of the PRL inhibitor. Gel permeation high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of rat serum indicated that the inhibitory activity was associated with high molecular weight material, i.e. 115000–215000. The PRL inhibitory substance was (a) trypsin sensitive, (b) not extractable with butanol/diisopropyi ether, (c) precipitated at 40% saturated ammonium sulfate, (d) associated with material having an isoelectric point of 4.96 ± 0.26, and (e) not adsorbed with protein-A. These characteristics suggest the proteinaceous nature of the inhibitory substance. The inhibitor did not suppress PRL release until 9 h after addition to cultured cells, but decreased PRL synthesis was evident within 4 h of treatment. The inability of the dopanrine antagonist, haloperidol, to block the inhibitory effect of rat serum indicated that the material does not exert its effect through the dopamine receptor.
Influence of extracellular polymeric substances on the long-term fate, dissolution, and speciation of copper-based nanoparticles

The influence of phytoplankton-derived soluble extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), pH, and ionic strength (IS) on the dissolution, speciation, and stability of nano-CuO, nano-Cu, and Kocide (a micron sized Cu(OH)2-based fungicide) was investigated over 90 days. EPS improved the stability of commercial copper-based nanoparticles (CBNPs) in most conditions, in addition to influencing their dissolution. The dissolution rate was pH 4 ≫ pH 7 > pH 11. The presence of EPS correlated with higher dissolved Cu at pH 7 and 11, and lower dissolved Cu at pH 4. More dissolution was observed at higher IS (NaCl) due to complexation with Cl–. Dissolution of nano-CuO at pH 7 increased from 0.93% after 90 days (without EPS) to 2.01% (with 5 mg-C EPS/L) at 10 mM IS. Nano-CuO dissolved even more (2.42%) when IS was increased to 100 mM NaCl (with EPS). The ratio of free-Cu2+/total dissolved Cu decreased in the presence of EPS, or as pH and/or IS increased. On a Cu mass basis, Kocide had the highest dissolved and suspende...
Coccidian Parasites (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) of Nerodia spp. (Serpentes: Colubridae), with a Description of a New Species of Eimeria

Eimeria conanli n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) is described from intestinal contents and feces of Nerodia erythrogaster transversa and N harteri harteri from northcentral Texas. Oocysts of the new species are ellipsoid in shape. 17.9 × 13.0(15–21 × 12–15) μm, with a smooth, thin, single-layered wall; shape index 1.4 (1.2–1.5). One to several (usually 2) polar granule(s) and an oocyst residuum are present, but a micropyie is absent. Sporocysts are elongate, 12.9 × 5.2 (13–15 × 5–6) -m, apparently without a true Stieda body structure. Each sporoeyst contains an ellipsoid residuum, 3.9 × 3.2 (3–6 × 2–4) μm, and elongate sporozoites, 11.4 × 2.5 (10–14 × 2–3) μm in situ, each with a spherical or subspherical anterior refractile body and spherical to ellipsoid posterior refractile body. In addition to the new species, oocysts of 4 previously described eimerians from colubrid snakes were found in these hosts.
Physician attitudes toward pharmacist provision of medication therapy management services

Objective The implementation of Medicare Part D in 2006 has the potential to advance the profession of pharmacy through the provision and remuneration of pharmacist-provided medication therapy management (MTM) services. Limited research has evaluated physician attitudes toward pharmacist-provided MTM services, and little is known about factors that may affect these attitudes. The aim of this study was to test a model of physicians’ attitudes toward pharmacist-provided MTM services as a part of Medicare Part D. Setting and Method A mail survey was sent to a random sample of 500 physicians practicing in West Virginia. Multiple linear regression was used to test the model. Main outcome measure The independent variables included prescription volume, specialty type, years of practice, gender, academic affiliation, practice size, physicians’ attitudes toward collaborative agreement, and physician–pharmacist communication frequency. Additionally, physician age was included as a control variable. Results A total of 102 responses were received yielding a response rate of 22.1%. The mean for physicians’ attitude to support provision of MTM by pharmacists was 2.84 out of 5. The overall physicians’ attitudes model for provision of MTM by pharmacists was found to be significant. Physicians’ attitudes toward collaborative agreement, specialty, years of practice, physician–pharmacist communication frequency regarding patients communication, and gender had significant influences on physician attitudes toward provision of MTM by pharmacists. Conclusion The proposed model can provide insight into physicians’ attitudes toward provision of MTM by pharmacists and may be helpful in developing future approaches and policies to further improve this collaborative relationship.
An assessment of interfacial dissipation effects at reconstructive ferrite-austenite interfaces

Abstract In support of accurate prediction of carbon content in austenite for control of austenite mechanical stability in “triple-phase” steels, paraequilibrium growth simulations with the DICTRA software were used to predict the carbon concentration profile at the ferrite–austenite interface during rapid cooling from an intercritical annealing temperature. A mobility model developed from previous literature data was used to estimate a temperature dependent interfacial dissipation energy function. Addition of the interfacial dissipation energy to the ferrite free energy lowers the austenite carbon content near the interface to levels consistent with experimental measurements of retained austenite average carbon content.
Toward the identification of distinct molecular and clinical entities of multiple myeloma using global gene expression profiling

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a poorly understood and uniformly fatal malignancy of antibody-secreting plasma cells (PC). Although several key molecular events in disease initiation or progression have been confirmed (such as 14q32 translocations) or implicated (chromosome 13 deletion), a unifying mechanism of myelomagenesis has proved elusive. Furthermore, while MM is generally indistinguishable morphologically, the disease exhibits tremendous variability in its clinical course, with some patients surviving only months and others many years, suggesting that MM is composed of distinct clinical entities. As abnormal gene expression is central to most, if not all cancers, high-throughput global gene expression profiling has become a powerful tool to investigate the molecular biology and clinical behavior of malignancy. Here we discuss recent progress made in the development of molecular-based diagnostics and prognostics for MM through the dissection of the transcriptome of PCs from healthy individuals and patients with MM and other PC dyscrasias.
Organic Chemistry Trivia: A Way to Interest Nonchemistry Majors.

The use of in-class stories is an excellent way to keep a class interested in subject matter. Many organic chemistry classes are populated by nonchemistry majors, such as pre-med, pre-pharm, and biology students. Trivia questions are presented that are designed to show how organic chemistry is an important subject to students regardless of their major. In addition, a brief expansion of the topics and suggestions on how to include them into organic chemistry lectures are described.
Evidence for a basic level in a taxonomy of everyday action sounds.

We searched for evidence that the auditory organization of categories of sounds produced by actions includes a privileged or “basic” level of description. The sound events consisted of single objects (or substances) undergoing simple actions. Performance on sound events was measured in two ways: sounds were directly verified as belonging to a category, or sounds were used to create lexical priming. The category verification experiment measured the accuracy and reaction time to brief excerpts of these sounds. The lexical priming experiment measured reaction time benefits and costs caused by the presentation of these sounds prior to a lexical decision. The level of description of a sound varied in how specifically it described the physical properties of the action producing the sound. Both identification and priming effects were superior when a label described the specific interaction causing the sound (e.g. trickling) in comparison to the following: (1) more general descriptions (e.g. pour, liquid: trickling is a specific manner of pouring liquid), (2) more detailed descriptions using adverbs to provide detail regarding the manner of the action (e.g. trickling evenly). These results are consistent with neuroimaging studies showing that auditory representations of sounds produced by actions familiar to the listener activate motor representations of the gestures involved in sound production.
Racial discrimination in the Boston housing market

Abstract Recent studies suggest that price differentials between what whites and blacks pay for housing are largely a function of changes in supply and demand in the two submarkets. These studies, however, estimate models that assume a unified housing market. As a result, imputed prices of housing attributes cannot vary with location, and the analyses obscure important racial price differentials. Based on a more realistic and complex housing market theory, the model described in this paper indicates that housing prices are substantially higher in the ghetto and transition areas than in white areas, and that within the same area blacks must pay more than whites for equivalent housing.
The professional ideology of social pathologists transformed: The new political orthodoxy in sociology

In a landmark article published in 1943, the young C. Wright Mills roundly criticized early American sociologists who focused on the sociology of social problems. These “social pathologists,” Mills argued, were social conservatives with homogeneous viewpoints who strove to maintain the established social order. A review of recent surveys on the political attitudes of sociologists, an analysis of recent articles on social problems published by the American Sociological Association (ASA) and the Society for the Study of Social Problems, an examination of social problems textbooks, and a consideration of the proceedings of the ASA annual meetings reveal an extraordinary turnabout. An ongoing trend toward the politicization of sociology and the radicalization of the sociology of social problems has resulted in a diminished stature of the profession which jeopardizes its future.
Romiplostim for management of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT) can cause delay or reduction in subsequent courses of chemotherapy. Here, we report on a series of 20 patients who had protracted CIT and were treated with romiplostim, a thrombopoietin receptor agonist. We performed a retrospective review of the use of romiplostim for dose-limiting CIT at Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center from 2010–2012. Romiplostim was initiated at 1–2 mcg/kg weekly, with dose escalation by 1 mcg/kg per week until recovery of platelets (≥100 × 109/L). If patients resumed chemotherapy, weekly romiplostim was continued. Romiplostim improved platelet counts in all 20 patients. In 19 of 20 patients, platelet counts of ≥100 × 109/L were achieved. The mean dose of romiplostim to achieve adequate platelet recovery was 2.9 mcg/kg (range 1.0–5.1). Sixteen patients achieved platelet recovery by 2 weeks. Fifteen patients resumed cytotoxic chemotherapy with continued romiplostim support and 14 tolerated at least two subsequent cycles of chemotherapy, on schedule, without recurrence of dose-limiting CIT. Sepsis prevented continued chemotherapy in one patient. No resistance to romiplostim was observed. Three deep vein thromboses (DVT) were observed; one of which was a recurrent DVT in a patient who had previously experienced a DVT and was off anticoagulation. Three DVTs within 20 patients is within the anticipated thrombosis rates of patients with active cancer on chemotherapy. Romiplostim resulted in improvement in platelet counts, allowing resumption of chemotherapy without recurrence of dose-limiting CIT. No treatment-related toxicity was observed, but this would need to be confirmed in a larger, prospective trial. Our series differs from prior studies in that we selected only those patients who had already demonstrated persistent thrombocytopenia, and we continued weekly romiplostim during chemotherapy. Romiplostim may be a safe and effective treatment for CIT.
Solution of the gap equation in neutron matter

Abstract The problem of solving the gap equation for S-wave pairing in pure neutron matter is considered for the case that the pairing matrix elements V ( p , p ′) are calculated directly from a realistic bare neutron-neutron potential containing a strong short-range repulsion. The original gap equation is replaced identically by a coupled set of equations: a non-singular quasilinear integral equation for the dimensionless gap function χ ( p ) defined by Δ ( p ) = Δ F χ ( p ) and a non-linear algebraic equation for the gap magnitude Δ F = Δ ( p F ) at the Fermi surface. This reformulation admits a robust and rapidly convergent iteration procedure for the determination of the gap function. The treatment may be extended to singlet or triplet pairing in non-zero angular momentum states. S-wave pairing is investigated numerically for the Reid-soft-core interaction. Although the pairing matrix elements of this potential are everywhere positive, non-trivial solutions of the gap equation are obtained on the range 0 p F p c = 1.7496… fm −1 of Fermi momenta, with the gap parameter Δ F reaching a maximum of some 3 MeV near p F = 0.85 fm −1 . Numerical results are also provided for the highly realistic Argonne υ 14 and υ 18 interactions. Within the context of the new computational scheme, a condition for closure of the gap is derived in terms of the first zero p 0 of the gap function Δ ( p ). It is shown that Δ F vanishes exponentially not only in the low-density limit p F → 0, but also as the Fermi momentum rises and approaches the upper critical value p c specified by p F = p 0 ( p F ), beyond which there exists no non-trivial solution of the gap equation. The numerical results for the function Δ ( p ) in neutron matter display a remarkable universality of structure, visible especially in the stability of p 0 under variation of density. Upon renormalizing the gap equation in terms of the vacuum S-wave scattering amplitude, this behavior is seen to be a manifestation of the resonant nature of the neutron-neutron interaction at low energy, which leads to a scattering amplitude of nearly separable form.
An uncommon bonding mode of a familiar ligand: a molybdenum complex with a four-electron donor chelating η3-PPh3 ligand, and its structural determination using synchrotron radiation

A crystallographic study using synchrotron radiation shows that a CC bond of one phenyl group of a PPh3 ligand bonds to Mo in [Cp(CO)2(PPh3)Mo]+, resulting in an unusual bonding mode in which PPh3 functions as a chelating four-electron donor ligand.
Detection of nuclear material at border crossings using motion correlation

This paper considers the problem that arises when a vehicle carrying nuclear material is detected approaching a border crossing. As quickly as possible, and with automation we wish to identify which vehicle among all those in the area is likely to be carrying the source. We show that if the border crossing area has technology for tracking the position of vehicles, we can correlate observed movements with observed changes in levels of detected radiation---for as the vehicle carrying the material gets closer to the detector, the stronger will be the detected radiation. We use a simulation model that captures the stop-and-go dynamics of a border crossing area to evaluate our ideas, and find a highly successful technique that tracks which vehicles move just when detected radiation changes, coupled with fitting radiation intensity/distance observations to an inverse-square law. This method almost always isolates the sought vehicle just as soon as the minimum number of data observations is obtained.
Erratum to “Neoplasia with use of intrauterine devices” [Contraception 75 (2007) S60–S69]

Kathryn M. Curtis⁎, Polly A. Marchbanks, Herbert B. Peterson Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA Department of Maternal and Child Heath, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7521, USA Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7521, USA
Racismo, direitos e cidadania

THE ARTICLE discusses the singularity of Brazilian racism as a type of civic discrimination that is particularly important, but which, nevertheless, reflects a much broader pattern of disrespect for rights and aggressions to citizenship. Focusing on practices of discrimination in everyday life, which are stimulated by a disarticulation between the public sphere and public space in Brazil, the author identifies the potential of quotas at the symbolic level as a weapon against racism and as an assertion of citizenship.