cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Techniques to study nephron function: microscopy and imaging

Recent advances in optics, computer sciences, fluorophores, and molecular techniques allow investigators the opportunity to study dynamic events within the functioning kidney with subcellular resolution. Investigators can now use two-photon microscopy to follow several complex heterogenous processes in organs such as the kidney with high spacial and temporal resolution. Repeat determinations over time within the same animal are possible and minimize animal use and interanimal variability. Furthermore, the ability to obtain volumetric data (3D) makes quantitative 4D (time) analysis possible. Finally, use of multiple fluorophores concurrently allows for three different or interactive processes to be observed simultaneously. Therefore, this approach compliments existing molecular, biochemical, and pharmacologic techniques by advancing in vivo data analysis and interpretation to subcellular levels for molecules without the requirement for fixation. Its use in the kidney is in its infancy but offers much promise for unraveling the complex interdependent physiologic and pathophysiologic processes known to contribute to cell function and disease.
The Contribution of Foreign Assistance to Agricultural Development: Comment

The point raised by Professor Davis, that Type I aid is often accompanied by self-help conditions, is of course true, as is the related point that it is difficult to separate the production effects of the foreign assistance from the related policy actions. However, it is equally true that Type I assistance is generally advanced in conjunction with policy changes because the receiving nation does not feel economically or politically able to support the policy changes without additional resources. The need for additional resources to support self-help conditions does not suggest that the resources cause the increase in output, but it does suggest (as we say) that Type I assistance and related capital formation contribute substantially to the increased output [1, p. 792]. Davis is also correct in his assertion that self-help conditions could conceivably be obtained with a package of loans consisting of Type II and Type III assistance. However, our analysis suggests that these types of foreign aid to agriculture (as would be expected) do not contribute to increased output in the current period.1 Thus, either self-help conditions
The Necroptosis Adaptor RIPK3 Promotes Injury-Induced Cytokine Expression and Tissue Repair

Programmed necrosis or necroptosis is an inflammatory form of cell death that critically requires the receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3). Here we showed that RIPK3 controls a separate, necrosis-independent pathway of inflammation by regulating cytokine expression in dendritic cells (DCs). Ripk3(-/-) bone-marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) were highly defective in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines. These effects were caused by impaired NF-κB subunit RelB and p50 activation and by impaired caspase 1-mediated processing of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). This DC-specific function of RIPK3 was critical for injury-induced inflammation and tissue repair in response to dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Ripk3(-/-) mice exhibited an impaired axis of injury-induced IL-1β, IL-23, and IL-22 cytokine cascade, which was partially corrected by adoptive transfer of wild-type DCs, but not Ripk3(-/-) DCs. These results reveal an unexpected function of RIPK3 in NF-κB activation, DC biology, innate inflammatory-cytokine expression, and injury-induced tissue repair.
Attitudes, Perceived Ability, and Knowledge About Depression Screening: A Survey of Certified Nurse‐Midwives/Certified Midwives

A survey of certified nurse-midwives/certified midwives (CNMs/CMs) attending the 2004 American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) annual meeting was undertaken to describe the depression screening practices of CNMs/CMs and to examine factors associated with depression screening. A relationship was found between attitude, perceived ability, knowledge, education level, and depression screening, with attitude and perceived ability having the strongest positive relationship to screening. Attitude, perceived ability, knowledge, and education accounted for 20% of the variance in depression screening conducted by CNMs/CMs. These findings suggest that the management of depression is not fully integrated into the practice of many CNMs/CMs. Further research is needed to assess screening methods, interventions for the treatment of depression, and evaluation of institutional barriers to depression screening.
Variability in aflatoxin B1-macromolecular binding and relationship to biotransformation enzyme expression in human prenatal and adult liver

Studies of transplacental transfer of aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) suggest that the developing human fetus may be a sensitive target for AFB(1) injury. Because AFB(1) requires metabolic activation to the reactive AFB(1)-8,9-exo-epoxide (AFBO) to exert its carcinogenic effects, ontogenic and interindividual differences in AFB(1) biotransformation enzymes may underlie susceptibility to AFB(1)-induced cell injury. The present study was initiated to compare the rates of in vitro AFB(1)-DNA and AFB(1)-protein adduct formation among a panel of 10 adult and 10 second-trimester prenatal livers and to examine the relationship among AFB(1) metabolizing enzyme expression and AFB(1) binding. Mixtures of cytosolic and microsomal proteins from prenatal and adult livers catalyzed the formation of AFB(1)-DNA and AFB(1)-protein adducts at relatively similar rates, although greater individual variability in AFB(1) adduct formation was observed in adult tissues. Extensive interindividual variation among adult tissues was observed in the expression of the AFB(1) activation enzymes cytochrome P4501A2 (CYP1A2), CYP3A4/5, and lipoxygenase (LO). Prenatal CYP3A7 expression was also highly variable. LO expression was eightfold higher in prenatal liver tissues than adults, whereas the expression of the AFBO detoxification enzyme microsomal epoxide hydrolase was twofold higher in adult liver. The levels of the polymorphic glutathione S-transferase M1 (hGSTM1-1), which may potentially protect against AFBO injury, were higher in the hGSTM1-1-expressing tissues of adults in relation to prenatal livers. In general, there was not a strong relationship among AFB(1)-DNA or AFB(1)-protein adduct formation and expression levels of individual AFB(1) metabolizing enzymes. In summary, despite the presence of marked individual and ontogenic differences in the expression of AFB(1) metabolizing enzymes, human second trimester prenatal liver tissues compared to adults do not exhibit a marked sensitivity to the in vitro formation of macromolecular AFB(1) adducts.
Designing for cognitive limitations

People with cognitive disabilities that affect their memory, attention, and comprehension can become overwhelmed when using technology---just as cognitively-demanding situations like driving or multitasking can hinder technology use for most people. However, appropriately-designed technology can assist in overcoming cognitive disabilities and cognitive limitations. This workshop seeks to bring together researchers and practitioners with design experience in the many areas of cognitive disability and cognitive limitation to exchange, evolve, and develop strategies for design. Workshop participants will present key lessons from their own experiences, and workshop activities will employ claims-based design strategies toward identifying, comparing, and mapping approaches for addressing cognitive disabilities and limitations.
First appearance and development of electromotility in neonatal gerbil outer hair cells

Abstract With the purpose of pinpointing the time of onset of electromotility, outer hair cells (OHCs) from apical and basal turns of the cochleae of postnatal gerbils, ranging in age from 6 to 19 days, were isolated and drawn into a glass microchamber. Length changes evoked by transcellular electrical stimulation were detected and measured with a photodiode detector. Motile responses first appeared in 3 out of 14 basal turn OHCs at 7 days after birth (DAB). At 8 DAB, 3 out of 13 apical turn cells also responded to the electrical stimulation. By 12 DAB, all the OHCs from both turns showed motile responses. Input-output functions relating applied stimulus and change in cell length revealed that the motile response threshold improved from 7 DAB to 12 DAB and the response amplitude kept increasing from 7 DAB until 13–14 DAB, when mature amplitudes were reached. Measurements of OHC length revealed only minor changes in basal turn hair cell length while apical hair cells continued to elongate until approximately 16 DAB. Since the onset of auditory function in gerbils occurs around 12 DAB and fine tuning develops between 14 and 17 DAB, our results suggest that the onset of OHC motility occurs earlier than that of auditory function and the maturation of the motility amplitude occurred earlier than the development of fine tuning. The maturation of OHC motility and the development of otoacoustic emissions are also compared and discussed.
Some relations between the discrete and continuous minimum time problems

In this paper some relations between the continuous and discrete (sampled) minimum time problems are examined. In particular the effects of the sampling constraint are examined for plants with real and complex eigenvalues, and for pulse amplitude and pulse width modulated systems.
Addressing Pediatric Health Concerns Through School-Based Consultation

The word consultation has multiple meanings. In popular usage, it may mean providing advice or counsel or simply talking with someone. In medical contexts, consultation may denote a patient's visit...
Enzymatic production of ethanol from cellulose using soluble cellulose acetate as an intermediate

A two-stage process for the enzymatic conversion of cellulose to ethanol is proposed as an alternative to currently incomplete and relatively slow enzymatic conversion processes employing natural insoluble cellulose. This alternative approach is designed to promote faster and more complete conversion of cellulose to fermentable sugars through the use of a homogeneous enzymatic hydrolysis reaction. Cellulose is chemically dissolved in the first stage to form water-soluble cellulose acetate (WSCA). The WSCA is then converted to ethanol in a simultaneous saccharification-fermentation with Pestalotiopsis westerdijkii enzymes (containing cellulolytic and acetyl esterase components) and yeast.
Neurology mission(s) impossible

Neurologists have become increasingly engaged in global health.1 Historically, infectious disease specialists were among the first global health practitioners due to associations with tropical medicine and the prevalence of infectious diseases in resource-limited settings. This led to programs focused on individual diseases (e.g., malaria, polio, HIV, tuberculosis), often called vertical programs.2 Horizontal programs subsequently emerged, seeking to augment primary care infrastructure for the world's poorest patients and improve the conditions of poverty intimately intertwined with their diseases.2 Superimposed upon these systemic programs have been medical missions: isolated efforts in particular places for discrete time periods. While medical missions can provide beneficial contributions, they have been criticized as unsustainable, or worse, undermining local infrastructure and causing more harm than good.3–9 Such critiques note that missions may actually reinforce the health disparities and cycles of poverty they intend to ameliorate, as inadequately trained volunteers may provide ineffective, culturally irrelevant, or disparaging care that is below recognized public health standards and burdensome to local health facilities.3,4,10 The author thanks Sophia Kostelanetz, Dr. James Hudspeth, and Dr. Allan H. Ropper for comments on earlier versions of this manuscript.
Predicting longitudinal trajectories of health probabilities with random-effects multinomial logit regression.

Researchers often encounter longitudinal health data characterized with three or more ordinal or nominal categories. Random-effects multinomial logit models are generally applied to account for potential lack of independence inherent in such clustered data. When parameter estimates are used to describe longitudinal processes, however, random effects, both between and within individuals, need to be retransformed for correctly predicting outcome probabilities. This study attempts to go beyond existing work by developing a retransformation method that derives longitudinal growth trajectories of unbiased health probabilities. Variances of the predicted probabilities are estimated by using the delta method. Additionally, the covariates’ regression coefficients on the multinomial logit function, not substantively meaningful, are transformed to the conditional effects on the predicted probabilities. The empirical illustration uses the longitudinal data from the Asset and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD). Our analysis compares three sets of the predicted probabilities of three health states at six time points, obtained from, respectively, the retransformation method, the BLUP, and the fixed-effects approach. The results demonstrate that neglect of retransforming random errors in the random-effects multinomial logit model results in severely biased longitudinal trajectories of health probabilities as well as overestimated effects of covariates on the probabilities.
Beta-adrenergic receptor regulation and left ventricular function in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy

Alterations in the myocardial receptor-G protein-adenylate cyclase (RGC) complex and cardiac adrenergic neurons in the failing human heart result in subsensitivity to beta-adrenergic stimulation. Pharmacologic interventions such as beta blockade may modify critical components of the RGC complex and partially restore the sensitivity of the beta-adrenergic pathway. Among the receptors coupled to the stimulatory (Gs) protein are the beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. Because of differences in receptor population and agonist (i.e., norepinephrine) affinity, the beta 1-receptor is the predominate adrenergic subtype regulating contractility in the nonfailing myocardium. Down-regulation occurs in the myocardial beta-receptor component of the RGC complex with mild-to-moderate and severe left ventricular dysfunction. However, abnormalities of the RGC complex vary with the etiology of heart failure; beta 1-receptor down-regulation is greater in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy than in post-infarction cardiomyopathy, while beta-receptor uncoupling is greater in post-infarction disease. In chronic heart failure, the adrenergic nervous system is activated in the heart and kidney. There is evidence that an increased cardiac norepinephrine concentration contributes to the decrease in beta 1-receptor density in heart failure. However, norepinephrine exposure is not the only factor responsible for regulating beta-adrenergic receptors in heart failure. Chronic beta blockade may improve hemodynamic and clinical response in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy by protecting the myocardium from the cardiotoxic effects of increased catecholamines and by up-regulating the beta 1 receptors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of exercise on lower extremity muscle function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

Purpose: Persistent quadriceps weakness due to arthrogenic muscle inhibition (AMI) has been reported after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Fatiguing exercise has been shown to alter lower extremity muscle function and gait mechanics, which may be related to injury risk. The effects of exercise on lower extremity function in the presence of AMI are not currently understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of 30 min of exercise on quadriceps muscle function and soleus motoneuron-pool excitability in ACL-reconstructed participants and healthy controls. Methods: Twenty-six (13 women, 13 men) healthy and 26 (13 women, 13 men) ACL-reconstructed recreationally active volunteers were recruited for a case-control laboratory study. All participants completed 30 min of continuous exercise including alternating cycles of inclined-treadmill walking and bouts of squats and step-ups. Knee-extension torque, quadriceps central activation ratio (CAR), soleus H:M ratio, and soleus V:M ra...
TerminatorBot: a novel robot with dual-use mechanism for locomotion and manipulation

As part of a massively distributed heterogeneous system, TerminatorBot, a novel, centimeter-scale crawling robot, has been developed to address applications in surveillance, search-and-rescue, and planetary exploration. Its two three-degree-of-freedom arms, which stow inside the cylindrical body for ballistic deployment and protected transport, comprise a dual-use mechanism for manipulation and locomotion. The intended applications require a small, rugged, and lightweight robot, hence, the desire for dual use. TerminatorBot's unique mechanism provides mobility and fine manipulation on a scale currently unavailable. To facilitate manipulation, we have also developed a specialized force/torque sensor. This new sensor design has a biased distribution of flexures, which equalizes force and torque sensitivities at the operational point. This work describes the mechanism and design of TerminatorBot, the specialized force/torque sensor, and the mechanism-specific gaits.
Sea-level-induced seismicity and submarine landslide occurrence

The temporal coincidence between rapid late Pleistocene sea-level rise and large-scale slope failures is widely documented. Nevertheless, the physical mechanisms that link these phenomena are poorly understood, particularly along nonglaciated margins. Here we investigate the causal relationships between rapid sea-level rise, flexural stress loading, and increased seismicity rates along passive margins. We find that Coulomb failure stress across fault systems of passive continental margins may have increased more than 1 MPa during rapid late Pleistocene–early Holocene sea-level rise, an amount sufficient to trigger fault reactivation and rupture. These results suggest that sea-level–modulated seismicity may have contributed to a number of poorly understood but widely observed phenomena, including (1) increased frequency of large-scale submarine landslides during rapid, late Pleistocene sea-level rise; (2) emplacement of coarse-grained mass transport deposits on deep-sea fans during the early stages of marine transgression; and (3) the unroofing and release of methane gas sequestered in continental slope sediments.
Increasing nurse staffing levels in cardiac surgery centres appears to be a cost effective patient safety intervention

Commentary on: K Van den Heede, S Simoens, L Diya, et al.. Increasing nurse staffing levels in Belgian cardiac surgery centres: a cost-effective patient safety intervention? J Adv Nurs2010;66:1291–6.
DieHard: probabilistic memory safety for unsafe languages

Applications written in unsafe languages like C and C++ are vulnerable to memory errors such as buffer overflows, dangling pointers, and reads of uninitialized data. Such errors can lead to program crashes, security vulnerabilities, and unpredictable behavior. We present DieHard, a runtime system that tolerates these errors while probabilistically maintaining soundness. DieHard uses randomization and replication to achieve probabilistic memory safety by approximating an infinite-sized heap. DieHard's memory manager randomizes the location of objects in a heap that is at least twice as large as required. This algorithm prevents heap corruption and provides a probabilistic guarantee of avoiding memory errors. For additional safety, DieHard can operate in a replicated mode where multiple replicas of the same application are run simultaneously. By initializing each replica with a different random seed and requiring agreement on output, the replicated version of Die-Hard increases the likelihood of correct execution because errors are unlikely to have the same effect across all replicas. We present analytical and experimental results that show DieHard's resilience to a wide range of memory errors, including a heap-based buffer overflow in an actual application.
Prospective Use of Ultrasound Imaging to Detect Bony Hand Injuries in Adults

Objectives We hypothesized that high-resolution linear ultrasound imaging performed by emergency sonologists would be accurate in the diagnosis of bony injuries of the hand. Methods This was a prospective observational study of adult patients with injuries of the hand at an urban emergency department with trained emergency sonologists. After informed consent, high-frequency linear ultrasound was used to evaluate the bony structures below the area of injury or tenderness of the hand. The presence of a fracture or dislocation was recorded. A standard radiograph was taken subsequently and read by a blinded radiologist. Standard descriptive statistics with confidence intervals were calculated. Results A total of 78 patients were enrolled in the study. The incidence of deformity was 28%; swelling, 90%; and erythema, 20%. Thirty patients had a total of 31 fractures: 21 metacarpal and 10 phalangeal. Ultrasound imaging identified 28 of 31 fractures found on standard radiographs, except for 1 patient's fractures, which were confirmed at surgery. One dislocation was found on ultrasound imaging and confirmed by radiographs. Ultrasound imaging showed the following accuracy for fracture: sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 98%; likelihood ratio (LR)(+), 42.5; and LR(−), 0.1. In comparison, individual physical examination findings of deformity, swelling, and erythema had a maximal LR(+) of 5.15 and minimum LR(−) of 0.51. One metacarpal fracture at the base of the first metacarpal, 1 spiral nondisplaced mid-third metacarpal fracture, and 1 distal tuft phalangeal fracture were missed by ultrasound imaging. There was 1 false-positive ultrasound finding. Conclusions Ultrasound imaging performed by emergency sonologists showed excellent sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of hand fractures.
Direct detection of Histoplasma capsulatum in soil suspensions by two-stage PCR

Abstract Histoplasmosis is the most common pulmonary mycosis in the United States. The responsible fungal pathogen, Histoplasma capsulatum , grows in soils contaminated with bird or bat droppings. Inhalation of dust from contaminated areas containing H. capsulatum spores is a primary route of infection. The ability to detect H. capsulatum in soil samples has been limited by the lack of fast, reliable and inexpensive methods. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was developed that allows the direct detection of H. capsulatum in soil. A two-stage PCR protocol was followed employing both fungal-specific primers and nested primers specific for the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the 5·8S rRNA gene of H. capsulatum . The estimated limit of detection of this method is 10 spores. In contrast to the more expensive and indirect mouse inoculum assay, which requires 6–8 weeks for sample analysis, PCR analysis of soil contaminated with H. capsulatum can be completed in less than 2 days.
Racial/ethnic bullying: Exploring links between bullying and racism in the US workplace

Abstract This study examined relations between the incidence of workplace bullying and the everyday experiences of members of ethnic and racial minorities in the American workplace. Particular attention was paid to expressions of bullying that overtly or specifically refer to race or ethnicity, in the form of more or less subtle acts of discrimination and hostile treatment, introducing the term `racial/ethnic bullying.' Participants belonging to four racial/ethnic groups (Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and whites) responded to a written survey of general and racial/ethnic bullying experiences, responses, and preferred modes and methods of internal organizational redress and dispute resolution. Very different profiles emerged between bullying perpetrated by supervisors/superiors versus co-workers/peers in the organization.
Is Family History a Useful Tool for Detecting Children at Risk for Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases? A Public Health Perspective

Several studies indicate that the risk for type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease is detectable in childhood, although these disorders may not emerge until adulthood. In addition, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease seem to share risk factors, including obesity and dyslipidemia, and might even share etiology, which has important implications for screening and prevention strategies for both diseases. Primary prevention, in particular, has gained importance because the results of major randomized, controlled trials strongly suggest that, at least in high-risk adult groups, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed. Furthermore, some intervention studies indicate that the risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be reduced in children. A simple way to detect risk for either diabetes or cardiovascular disease is to examine the family history. Numerous studies have shown that adults who have 1 or more first- or second-degree relatives affected with diabetes or cardiovascular disease are at high risk of having or developing these diseases. Currently, there are no overall screening strategies recommended for either diabetes or cardiovascular disease among children and adolescents. The evidence is strong, however, that youth with a positive family history already show signs of increased risk for these conditions. Family history can be part of the approach to screening for children at risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease and should be part of prevention campaigns aimed at reducing the burden of these diseases and their risk factors in children.
High-precision design techniques in BiCMOS

The author discusses the utility of bipolar devices in high-accuracy, BiCMOS-based circuit design. Examples are given which exploit the greater stability, lower 1/f noise, and higher operating voltage of bipolar devices. The examples show that BiCMOS circuits easily extend the performance boundaries normally reached in CMOS-only design. Compared to pure CMOS, BiCMOS adds flexibility to high-precision circuit design, resulting in performance advances with shorter development time and lower risk. >
Diversity in specificity, abundance, and composition of anti-Neu5Gc antibodies in normal humans: Potential implications for disease

Human heterophile antibodies that agglutinate animal erythrocytes are known to detect the nonhuman sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). This monosaccharide cannot by itself fill the binding site (paratope) of an antibody and can also be modified and presented in various linkages, on diverse underlying glycans. Thus, we hypothesized that the human anti-Neu5Gc antibody response is diverse and polyclonal. Here, we use a novel set of natural and chemoenzymatically synthesized glycans to show that normal humans have an abundant and diverse spectrum of such anti-Neu5Gc antibodies, directed against a variety of Neu5Gc-containing epitopes. High sensitivity and specificity assays were achieved by using N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac)-containing probes (differing from Neu5Gc by one less oxygen atom) as optimal background controls. The commonest anti-Neu5Gc antibodies are of the IgG class. Moreover, the range of reactivity and Ig classes of antibodies vary greatly amongst normal humans, with some individuals having remarkably large amounts, even surpassing levels of some well-known natural blood group and xenoreactive antibodies. We purified these anti-Neu5Gc antibodies from individual human sera using a newly developed affinity method and showed that they bind to wild-type but not Neu5Gc-deficient mouse tissues. Moreover, they bind back to human carcinomas that have accumulated Neu5Gc in vivo. As dietary Neu5Gc is primarily found in red meat and milk products, we suggest that this ongoing antigen-antibody reaction may generate chronic inflammation, possibly contributing to the high frequency of diet-related carcinomas and other diseases in humans.
Hydrolytic enzymes of human blood monocytes and neutrophils with special reference to lysozyme (muramidase).

In order to elucidate the cause of markedly increased serum and urine lysozyme (muramidase) in patients with monocytic leukemia on the cellular basis, monocytes and neutrophils were compared on their hydrolytic enzyme contents and their characteristics. Both types of leukocytes were separated from normal human blood or from patients with monocytic leukemia by means of floatation in dense albumin, utilizing the difference in the specific gravity of both cell types. Equivalent lysozyme and acid phosphatase activities were found to be present in monocytes and neutrophils and very low or negligible activities of alkaline phosphatase in monocytes. The subcellular distributions of these enzymes were comparable in the pattern and specific activity in both cell populations and found to be associated with granules. The phagocytic rate and the readiness of release of lysozyme into the extracellular medium during phagocytosis were similar in both cell populations. Leukemic leukocytes, neutrophils and monocytes, showed lower hydrolase activities than normal counterparts, especially alkaline phosphatase being markedly suppressed in leukemic cells. The possibility was discussed that the mechanism for elevated lysozyme in serum and urine of patients with monocytic leukemia may be accounted for by the developmental potential of monocytes in extravascular sites into macrophages with marked increase in lysosomal enzymes, the relatively ready release of lysozyme from cells, and a stable nature of lysozyme.
Ingratiation and Gratuity: The Effect of Complimenting Customers on Tipping Behavior in Restaurants

The present study examined the role of ingratiation on tipping behavior in restaurants. In the study, 2 female food servers waited on 94 couples eating dinner, and either complimented or did not compliment the couples on their dinner selections. Results indicated that food servers received significantly higher tips when complimenting their customers than when not complimenting them. These results and their implications are discussed.
Tripodal coordination complexes as scaffolds for molecular recognition and catalysis

There is currently much interest in the utilization of coordination complexes as scaffolds for the design of metallohost-guest complexes and metalloenzyme mimics.1 Anderegg et al. reported that the robust ligand tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA, Figure 1) forms stable complexes with various divalent metal cations (e.g., log(KZnTPA) = 11 and log(KCuTPA) = 16) in aqueous solution, and that [M(TPA)OH2]2+ (M = ZnII, CuII) complexes dissociate at mildly alkaline pH to form the hydroxo species.2 Karlin and coworkers have reported crystallographic, electrochemical, and solution thermodynamic studies of various CuI and CuII complexes of TPA and related compounds. We7 and others8 have reported structural characterization of ZnII complexes of TPA, observing that ZnII complexes are usually 5-coordinate and nearly isomorphous with CuII complexes. We have reported 6- and 7coordinate CdII complexes of TPA.7 That TPA is geometrically suited for complexation of ions of small ionic radius was seen in the demonstration of the selectivity of the ligand for the complexation of Li+ ion over the other alkali metal cations. 9,10 It is notable that the conformation of the ligand in complexes with trigonal bipyramidal metal ions displays a C3-symmetry, while that in octahedral metal ion complexes displays a distorted Cσ-symmetry.7
“To Balance or To Bandwagon?” Alignment Decisions in 1930s Europe

(1992). “To Balance or To Bandwagon?” Alignment Decisions in 1930s Europe. Security Studies: Vol. 1, No. 3, pp. 417-447.
IN VITRO COMPARISON OF ANAEROBIC AND AEROBIC GROWTH RESPONSE OF SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM TO ZINC ADDITION

Zinc supplemented diets have been used to provide zinc as a nutrient and higher concentrations have been used to induce molt in laying hens. It is not known if the zinc in these diets would inhibit Salmonella spp growth. This study examines the effects of zinc compounds on the growth of S. typhimurium poultry isolate under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The aerobic growth response of S. typhimurium was determined either in tryptic soy broth (TSB) or minimal (M9) broth containing five different concentrations (0.67, 2.01, 3.35, 4.69, and 6.03% [wt/vol]) of either Zn acetate [Zn(C 2 H 2 O 2 ) 2 .2H 2 O] or Zn sulfate [ZnSO 4 .7H 2 O] while anaerobic growth response was determined in M9 broth with or without reductants (L-cysteine hydrochloride [C 3 H 7 NO 2 S.HCl], and sodium sulfide [Na 2 S.9H 2 O]). Aerobic growth rates inhibited (P < 0.05) by Zn acetate than by Zn sulfate in TSB medium. The Zn source and concentration decreased (P < 0.05) aerobic growth response of S. typhimurium poultry isolate in M9 medium. The growth rates of S. typhimurium under anaerobic growth conditions were less responsive to Zn salts but were generally lower (P < 0.05) in the presence of reductant than in the absence of reductants at each concentration of Zn compound. The results in this study provide evidence that Zn may inhibit S. typhimurium under in vitro aerobic or anaerobic atmospheric conditions and S. typhimurium grows less optimally under anaerobic growth conditions.
Penance and Punishment: Marking the Body in Criminal Law and Social Ideology of Ancient India

This article deals with the twin systems of penance and punishment for offences against the moral and the penal codes found in the ancient Indian legal treatises, the Dharmas ´@stras. The two systems parallel each other and often overlap and present one of the central legitimations of social structures. Both systems often mark the body of the sinner/criminal in ways that parallel the marking of the body by the rebirth process within the ideology of karmic retribution. Thus, the legal/moral codes and the religious/criminal justice systems are presented as anchored in the very working of cosmic law rather than as contingent and humanly created systems subject to historical changes.
Sensitization of B-NHL resistant tumor cells overexpressing Bcl-xL to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by the novel proteasome inhibitor Salinosporamide A (NPI-0052)

1445 Tumor cells develop resistance to various cytotoxic chemotherapeutics and, therefore, immunotherapy is currently being evaluated as a novel therapeutic intervention to overcome drug resistance. TRAIL, a member of the TNF superfamily, has been shown to be minimally toxic on normal tissues while cytotoxic to sensitive tumor cells. However, many tumors are resistant to TRAIL and require sensitizing agents to be used in combination with TRAIL/anti-DR4, DR5 monoclonal antibodies to reverse TRAIL-resistance. The sensitizing agent must therefore target gene products involved in the regulation of resistance. Tumor cells invariably exhibit constitutive activation of NF-κB resulting in the expression of many anti-apoptotic gene products such as members of the Bcl-2 and IAP families. We and others have demonstrated that inhibition of NF-κB sensitizes tumor cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Various NF-κB inhibitors were effective such as DHMEQ, Bay11-7085, bortezomib and NPI-0052. However, many tumor cells, in particularly lymphomas, have been shown to overexpress Bcl-xL that was accompanied by resistance and high risk. We have then examined whether NPI-0052 can sensitize the human B-NHL cell line Ramos stably overexpressing Bcl-xL to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We demonstrate that treatment with NPI-0052 (0.1-5.0 nM) synergistically sensitized Ramos that overexpress Bcl-xL to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The mechanism underlying sensitization was examined and we demonstrate that NPI-0052 inhibited the constitutive expression of Bcl-xL with no effect on the plasmid-induced Bcl-xL. In addition, we demonstrate that NPI-0052 inhibited NF-κB activity and downstream inhibited the transcription repressor YY1, which we have shown to negatively regulate the transcription of the TRAIL-receptor DR5. We also demonstrate that NPI-0052 resulted in significant upregulation of DR5 expression and inhibition of YY1 activity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that NPI-0052 is a significant sensitizing agent for tumor cells overexpressing Bcl-xL when used in combination with TRAIL and DR4/DR5 mAbs. Further, the studies suggest that NPI-0052 may be of therapeutic value when used in combination with TRAIL, agonistic antibodies to TRAIL receptors or immunomodulating agents that activate host effector cells expressing TRAIL in vivo.
Using Registries to Understand Clinical Practice: A Lesson for Rare Disease.

A progressive and ultimately fatal disease of the pulmonary circulation in children and adults, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) is characterized by vasoconstriction, endothelial dysfunction, excessive smooth muscle cell proliferation, and in situ thrombosis of pulmonary arterioles [(1)][1]. The
Genetic anticipation in BRCA1/BRCA2 families after controlling for ascertainment bias and cohort effect.

Background Genetic anticipation, the earlier onset of disease in successive generations, has been reported in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC), but little is known about its underlying mechanisms. Ascertainment bias has been suggested as a reason in previous studies. Likewise, cohort effect, which may be caused by environmental factors, can be misinterpreted as genetic anticipation. Methods The authors reviewed the pedigrees of 176 kindreds, segregating those with deleterious mutations in breast cancer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1/BRCA2) who had at least 2 consecutive generations of the same cancer (breast or ovarian). By using mutation probabilities as analytical weights in weighted random-effect models, generational differences in the age at onset of breast/ovarian cancer were calculated. The analyses were further controlled for ascertainment bias by excluding probands and adjusting for birth-cohort effect in the anticipation models. Results The mean age at the onset of breast cancer for the probands' generation was 41.9 years, which was 6.8 years and 9.8 years earlier than the parents' and grandparents' generations, respectively. The anticipation effect for breast cancer remained significant after excluding the probands. There was a birth-cohort effect: patients who were born in 1930s and 1940s had breast cancer 5.0 years and 7.6 years earlier than patients who were born before 1920. The difference in breast cancer age of onset across generations was no longer significant after adjusting for birth-cohort effect. Conclusions The observed anticipation effect was driven mainly by a decrease in age of onset across birth cohorts, underscoring the need for risk-reducing interventions that target changing environmental/lifestyle factors in BRCA1/BRCA2 carriers. Cancer 2016;122:1913-20. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
A Bioassay Technique for Detecting Resistance of Cotton Strains to Tobacco Budworms

Lines of cotton were screened for resistance to Heliothis virescens (F.) by incorporating ether and acetone extracts of lyophilized square tissue into casein-wheat germ diet and measuring the rate of larval growth. Lines producing smaller larvae were subjected to assays with fresh squares fed to larvae. Of the 256 lines tested, several have inhibited growth of tobacco budworm larvae in the laboratory, and the most promising are being further evaluated.
Effects of Lesions of the Periaqueductal Gray Matter in the Cat

The great epidemic of lethargic encephalitis directed the attention of neurologists to the region of the midbrain and hypothalamus. A long series of experimental and pathological studies has demons...
THE COMPOSITION OF A HYBRIDIZING POPULATION OF BAPTISIA SPHAEROCARPA AND BAPTISIA LEUCOPHAEA.

This study of interspecific hybridization in a single large population of Baptisia leucophaea and B. sphaerocarpa represents the first time such an extensive comparison of morphological and chemical criteria has been reported. In this investigation each mature plant in a plot 300 ft X 240 ft, a total of 1170 plants, was located precisely in the population, collected, and analyzed by use of a morphological hybrid index and a second hybrid index based primarily on flavonoid chemistry. This same hybrid combination was the first of many types of Baptisia hybrids to be examined by combined morphological and chemical methods (Turner and Alston, 1959), but only 20 plants were examined in that original work. Subsequently, two different types of population studies have been reported, but one of these was a limited study of a trihybrid population (Alston and Turner, 1962) and the other involved several different small populations because no single large hybridizing population was available (McHale and Alston, 1964). This present study of Baptisia hybridization is the first in which the chemical identities of most of the compounds utilized have been known. In their study of natural hybridization among three species of Baptisia, Alston and Turner (1962) reported striking disagreement between the morphological and chemical analyses. The chief difficulty was considered to stem from the unsuccessful attempt to construct a trihybrid morphological index which did not distort the data and lead to an inference of much more com-
Endoscopic Sonographically Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration Yield in Submucosal Tumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Objective. To study the yield of endoscopic ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration cytologic examination in the diagnosis of submucosal masses. Methods. From 1999 to 2003, 10 patients underwent ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration for the cytologic diagnosis of submucosal masses in our institution. The endoscopic ultrasonography records and the cytology database were consulted, and the reports were analyzed, as were slide material and the technical aspects related to these procedures. All procedures were performed under conscious sedation and cardiorespiratory monitoring on an outpatient basis. Ten patients (4 men and 6 women; mean age, 60.8 years) were studied. Results. Eight lesions were located in the stomach, and 2 were located in the esophagus, with a mean diameter of 3.3 cm. An experienced cytopathologist was present on-site during all procedures for assessment of adequacy and preliminary cytologic examination. Cytologic diagnoses were obtained in 8 cases as follows: 6 gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 1 organizing submucosal hematoma, and 1 low-grade mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue-associated lymphoma. Two cases consisted of scant gastric epithelium only and were considered nondiagnostic. The cytologic diagnoses guided further clinical treatment. Conclusions. Ultrasonographically guided fine-needle aspiration with cytopathologic analysis has a high accuracy rate (80%) for diagnosing submucosal lesions. These findings potentially affect clinical decision making.
Climate regulates alpine lake ice cover phenology and aquatic ecosystem structure

High-elevation aquatic ecosystems are highly vulnerable to climate change, yet relatively few records are available to characterize shifts in ecosystem structure or their underlying mechanisms. Using a long-term data set on seven alpine lakes (3126 to 3620 m) in Colorado, USA, we show that ice-off dates have shifted 7 days earlier over the past 33 years and that spring weather conditions—especially snowfall—drive yearly variation in ice-off timing. In the most well studied lake, earlier ice-off associated with increases in water residence times, thermal stratification, ion concentrations, dissolved nitrogen, pH, and chlorophyll a. Mechanistically, low spring snowfall and warm temperatures reduce summer stream flow (increasing lake residence times) but enhance melting of glacial and permafrost ice (increasing lake solute inputs). The observed links among hydrological, chemical, and biological responses to climate factors highlight the potential for major shifts in the functioning of alpine lakes due to forecasted climate change.
Clinical analysis of 22 children with severe drug eruption

Objective: To investigate the diagnosis and treatment of hospitalized patients with severe drug eruption in our hospital during January 2000 to June 2004. Methods: The clinical data of 22 children with severe drug eruption were analyzed retrospectively. Results: The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were the most common causes of severe drug eruption among this group patients. 19 cases had fever, mucosa and liver involvement appeared in 16 and 15 cases respectively. The anticonvulsant hypersensitive syndrome occured averagely 20.6 days after the offending medication was started, typically presented with fever, eruption and internal organ involvement. Conclusion: Systemic corticosteroid should be used in adequate doses as soon as the diagnosis was confirmed. Infusion of high-doses intravenous immunoglobulin can reduce the treatment period and the doses of corticosteriod.
Bauschinger Effect in Creep and Tensile Tests on Copper

The Bauschinger effect, or rounding of the corner of the stress-strain curve upon reloading, represents a temporary apparent softness that is more pronounced at large strains than small and for complete unloading than for partial unloading. Interrupted creep tests on copper exhibit a similar temporary softness (high creep rate) upon reloading. The fact that the strainwise dying-out time of these effects is the same in both tensile and creep tests shows that they are related. Thus, the term Bauschinger effect appears to embrace behavior following partial or complete unloading and reloading in addition to behavior following reversed loading. It is suggested that the term may properly apply also to certain creep behaviors following a small load decrement.
Binding Mechanism between CrkII and cAbl Kinase

The interaction between non-receptor tyrosine kinase cAbl and signaling adaptor protein CrkII is implicated in diverse cellular processes, such as cell migration, proliferation, and bacterial infection. Because of the modular architecture of their structures, the interaction between cAbl and CrkII can undergo multiple alternative binding modes. This series of interactions starts with the binding of the N-terminal Src homology 3 (nSH3) domain of CrkII to proline-rich motifs (PRMs) in the intrinsically disordered region of cAbl kinase. Despite their importance, the detailed binding mechanism and functional significance of these interactions remains elusive. In this presentation, we report the detailed structure, thermodynamics, and kinetics of the interactions between the nSH3 domain of CrkII and PRMs of cAbl kinase. Our dynamics and structural studies, using NMR spectroscopy and crystallography, indicate that these modular interactions act as a binding catalyst that accelerates the association between CrkII and cAbl kinase. We also present our recent finding of a potent inhibitor of the cAbl-CrkII interaction.
Humanitarian ethics. A guide to the morality of aid in war and disaster

One of the striking revolutions in international relations of the last three decades is the rapid expansion of an organized international “humanitarian system”. This system represents the self-cons...