cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled reservoir-geomechanical analysis of CO2 injection and ground deformations at In Salah, Algeria

Coupled reservoir-geomechanical analysis of CO 2 injection and ground deformations at In Salah, Algeria Jonny Rutqvist*, Donald W Vasco, Larry Myer Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control Special Issue of the GHGT9 *Corresponding Author, Tel: 1-510-486-5432, Fax: 1-510-486-5686; Email: jrutqvist@lbl.gov, Mail Address: One Cyclotron Road, MS 90-1116
Mannitol Biosynthesis in Pyrenochaeta terrestris I. D-Maunitol-1-Phosphate: NAD Oxidoreductase

Cell-free extracts of mycelial mats of Pgrenochaeta terrestris grown in stationary culture on synthetic glucose or sucrose - salts liquid media contained D-mannitol-1-Phosphate:NAD oxidoreductase (EC 1.1.1.17) activity. Greatest activity occurred early in the growth period. The optimum pH for the reduction of NAD+ in the presence of Fru-6-P was 7.4–7.5 while the optimum pH for the oxidation of NADH in the presence of Mtl-1-P was 8.1–8.2. The enzyme was stabilized to some extent in Tris-maleate buffer, pH 7.5, and by the addition of 10% (NH4)2SO4, to this buffer. A 10- to 16-fold purification was attained by a combination of (NH4)2SO4 fractionation and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. The enzyme was relatively specific in its substrate and coenzyme requirements. The Km values were determined as: Fru-6-P - 3 × 10−4 M, Mtl-1-P - 1 × 10−4 M, and NAD+ and NADH - 3 × 10−5 M.
The fine structure of marginal band microtubules.

Fixation of Fundulus erythrocytes by silver acetate-osmium tetroxide solutions preserves marginal band microtubules while extracting the obscuring hemoglobin background. High magnification electron micrographs of thin sections show the microtubules to be composed of globular subunits. Cross-sectional profiles of the microtubules contain six or seven subunits. The discussion includes comments as to the general stability of microtubular structures, and to the similarities between microtubules and tobacco mosaic virus protein.
B,B-Dihaloalkylboranes as efficient reagents for the stereoselective synthesis of syn-aldols☆

Abstract The easily synthesized B,B-dihaloalkylboranes, in the presence of either Et3N or i-Pr2NEt, converts ethyl ketones, RCOEt, to 96- ≥ 99% Z-enolates, converted by aldehydes to essentially pure syn-aldols.
Differential Accessibility of a Rotavirus VP6 Epitope in Trimers Comprising Type I, II, or III Channels as Revealed by Binding of a Human Rotavirus VP6-Specific Antibody

Previous human antibody studies have shown that the human VH1–46 antibody variable gene segment encodes much of the naturally occurring human B cell response to rotavirus and is directed to virus protein 6 (VP6). It is currently unknown why some of the VH1-46-encoded human VP6 monoclonal antibodies inhibit viral transcription while others do not. In part, there are affinity differences between antibodies that likely affect inhibitory activity, but we also hypothesize that there are differing modes of binding to VP6 that affect the ability to block the transcriptional pore on double-layered particles. Here, we used a hybrid method approach for antibody epitope mapping, including single-particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and enhanced amide hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (DXMS) to determine the location and mode of binding of a VH1-46-encoded antibody, RV6-25. The structure of the RV6-25 antibody–double-layered particle (DLP) complex indicated a very complex binding pattern that revealed subtle differences in accessibility of the VP6 epitope depending on its position in the type I, II, or III channels. These subtle variations in the presentation or accessibility of the RV VP6 capsid layer led to position-specific differences in occupancy for binding of the RV6-25 antibody. The studies also showed that the location of binding of the noninhibitory antibody RV6-25 on the apical surface of RV VP6 head domain does not obstruct the transcription pore upon antibody binding, in contrast to binding of an inhibitory antibody, RV6-26, deeper in the transcriptional pore.
Rolandic Type Cerebral Palsy in Children as a Pattern of Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury in the Full-Term Neonate

Magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the brains of 11 patients aged from 1 week to 12 years with a distinctive type of cerebral palsy were selected based on distribution of cerebral lesions, which were restricted to bilateral perirolandic cortical and subcortical regions, including frequent symmetric involvement of basal ganglia and ventrolateral nucleus of thalami. Retrospectively, the perinatal history and clinical features were reviewed to correlate clinical data with this distinctive pattern of brain injury. Clinically affected neonates had an encephalopathy associated with a severe perinatal asphyxial event. Older children with cerebral palsy survived a similar perinatal course and demonstrated spastic quadriparesis with bulbar or pseudobulbar involvement, lack of verbal speech and variable delays in cognitive development. The distribution of hypoxic-ischemic lesions involving bilateral perirolandic regions, basal ganglia, and thalami, appears to correlate with increased metabolic areas of primary myelination in full-term neonates, but not with arterial border zones nor a single cerebral artery distribution. Myelination is a critical process in maturing brain associated with marked increase in tissue respiration and thus greater susceptibility to oxygen deprivation. It is believed that the extent of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is determined principally by brain maturity and regional metabolic rates at time of insult and this correlates with active myelination in full-term neonates. This study confirms previous data from neuropathologic literature and recent reports of neuroimaging studies of asphyxiated neonates. In addition, retrospective analysis of the clinical data enables recognition of a type of cerebral palsy that might be the hallmark of hypoxic-ischemic injury in term neonates.
Sexuality, Culture, and Power in HIV/Aids Research

▪ Abstract This article examines the development of anthropological research in response to AIDS. During the first decade of the epidemic, most social science research focused on the behavioral correlates of HIV infection among individuals and failed to examine broader social and cultural factors. By the late 1980s, however, pioneering work by anthropologists began to raise the importance of cultural systems in shaping sexual practices relevant to HIV transmission and prevention. Since the start of the 1990s, this emphasis on cultural analysis has taken shape alongside a growing anthropological research focus on structural factors shaping vulnerability to HIV infection. Work on social inequality and the political economy of HIV and AIDS has been especially important. Much current research seeks to integrate both cultural and structural concerns in providing an alternative to more individualistic behavioral research paradigms.
Representation and Local Policy Relating County-Level Public Opinion to Policy Outputs

Students of local politics have argued American federalism implies little role for local tastes in policy making. Peterson (1979) anticipates the pursuit of a productive tax base will depress subnational government spending on social services, while promoting developmental policies. We investigate the role public opinion plays in county-level redistributive, developmental, and allocational program spending in California, using a novel measure of county political ideology. Our findings challenge expectations that local governments are uniformly biased against redistribution. We find that social service spending varies across counties as a function of ideological orientation. In several policy areas, institutional structure mediates the responsiveness of officials.
An integration framework for airport automation systems

A large airport typically has dozens of automation systems that require automatic information interchange among them to ensure safe and efficient airport operations. However, those systems were often developed by different vendors and were not designed to be interoperable, which makes systems integration a very complicated matter. Ad hoc point-to-point integration often proves to be problematic. An integration framework is needed to avoid "spaghetti integration". This paper presents an integration framework for defining the integration information requirements and designing the systems integration architecture.
Transposable elements reveal a stem cell-specific class of long noncoding RNAs

Numerous studies over the past decade have elucidated a large set of long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) in the human genome. Research since has shown that lincRNAs constitute an important layer of genome regulation across a wide spectrum of species. However, the factors governing their evolution and origins remain relatively unexplored. One possible factor driving lincRNA evolution and biological function is transposable element (TE) insertions. Here, we comprehensively characterize the TE content of lincRNAs relative to genomic averages and protein coding transcripts. Our analysis of the TE composition of 9,241 human lincRNAs revealed that, in sharp contrast to protein coding genes, 83% of lincRNAs contain a TE, and TEs comprise 42% of lincRNA sequence. lincRNA TE composition varies significantly from genomic averages - L1 and Alu elements are depleted and broad classes of endogenous retroviruses are enriched. TEs occur in biased positions and orientations within lincRNAs, particularly at their transcription start sites, suggesting a role in lincRNA transcriptional regulation. Accordingly, we observed a dramatic example of HERVH transcriptional regulatory signals correlating strongly with stem cell-specific expression of lincRNAs. Conversely, lincRNAs devoid of TEs are expressed at greater levels than lincRNAs with TEs in all tissues and cell lines, particularly in the testis. TEs pervade lincRNAs, dividing them into classes, and may have shaped lincRNA evolution and function by conferring tissue-specific expression from extant transcriptional regulatory signals.
Verification of HDLC

A version of the standard high level data link control protocol has been verified as an experiment with an automated verification system. This paper tries to answer questions such as: How can HDLC and its properties be represented? To what extent can they be proved? What are the main obstacles in verifying protocols like HDLC.
Adapting real options to new product development by modeling the second Toyota paradox

Uncertainty in product development projects creates significant challenges for managers who are under intense competitive pressures to increase product quality, while reducing development time and costs. Traditional wisdom dictates the early selection of a single design in order to freeze interfaces between product subsystems so that team members can work effectively in parallel, resulting in more productive product development efforts. Prior research, however, uncovered a paradoxical case. Toyota Motor Corporation achieves the fastest development times in its industry by intentionally delaying alternative selection, a strategy termed set-based development. The current work adapts real options concepts to product development management to partially explain this paradox. A formal simulation model is used to show that converging too quickly or too slowly degrades project value. Furthermore, the model demonstrates that the wisdom of set-based strategies can be explained by the application of a real options approach to product development management. Implications for managers and directions for future work are discussed.
Collisionless tearing in a field-reversed sheet pinch assuming nonparallel propagation

The problem of collisionless linear tearing is examined assuming a wave vector with a component normal to the equilibrium field. The geometry is defined and the general form of the linear dispersion equation is calculated. The linear theory results when k is parallel to B are reviewed, and Ampere's law is calculated for the external adiabatic region when k times B does not equal zero, using two-fluid theory. A solution is obtained for the approximate form of the perturbed currents and vector potential assuming quasi-parallel k. The resonant current contributions within the singular layer are calculated, obtaining an estimate of the dispersion equation. The form of the adiabatic currents within the singular layer is calculated, showing that an x-z current system persists even in the limit k perpendicular to B goes to zero. Finally, the perturbed vector potential solutions across the singular layer are matched to obtain the shape of the complete eigenfunction.
The God Concept: Aristotle and the Philosophical Tradition

Before beginning a paper on metaphysics, it is wise to acknowledge the paper’s own “metaphysical” assumptions. In what follows, we must bear in mind that the history of philosophy is as interpretively diverse as it is long. We will begin with the premise that Metaphysics is indeed a foundational science. We will posit that Aristotle’s corpus is unified; that is, that Aristotle can be read as a “systematic” philosopher. Moreover, we will assume that the history of philosophy is itself a unity. If we posit such, “philosophy” can be read as a comprehensible continuity: a certainly contestable position. We must bear in mind that similitude is decidedly not identity; however, similitude does imply a certain conceptual correlation, one which, when pressed, may yield interesting, if not unexpected, results. Thus, we will travel at lightning speed through what took a snail’s pace to develop, “mapping,” so to speak, the structure of the unmoved mover of Aristotle’s Metaphysics (1941) onto the traditional historical divisions of the history of philosophy. We will begin with Aristotle himself in the Ancient period, move to Averroes (the Ibn-Rushd of this paper) in the Medieval period, focus on Descartes and Spinoza as Modern thinkers and, finally, end in Heidegger and Sartre in Contemporary philosophy. This is philosophy with a capital “P,” which may or may not be the reader’s preferred position, let alone the writer’s. But, for our purposes here, it is, nonetheless, inevitable.
Interlamellar residual stresses in single grains of NiO-ZrO2(cubic) directionally solidified eutectics

Phase-to-phase residual stresses due to thermal expansion mismatch were measured in lamellar NiO-ZrO{sub 2} (cubic) directionally solidified eutectics (DSEs). The triaxial strain tensors for both phases were measured using single-crystal X-ray diffractometry techniques on isolated grains of the DSE. From the strain tensors, the stress tensors were calculated, taking into account the full elastic anisotropy of the phases. The resulting stress tensors indicated that very large compressive stresses accumulated in ZrO{sub 2} whereas large tensile stresses were amassed in NiO parallel to the lamellae during the solidification process. The large magnitudes of the stresses indicated that the interfaces between the lamellae were very well bonded and did not facilitate slip or other stress-relieving processes.
Iceland's Grímsvötn volcano erupts

[1] About 13 months after Iceland's Eyjafjallajokull volcano began erupting on 14 April 2010, which led to extensive air traffic closures over Europe, Grimsvotn volcano in southeastern took its turn. Iceland's most active volcano, which last erupted in 2004 and lies largely beneath the Vatnajokull ice cap, began its eruption activity on 21 May, with the ash plume initially reaching about 20 kilometers in altitude, according to the Icelandic Meteorological Office. Volcanic ash from Grimsvotn has cancelled hundreds of airplane flights and prompted U.S. president Barack Obama to cut short his visit to Ireland. As Eos went to press, activity at the volcano was beginning to subside.
Using Technology to Bring Abstract Concepts into Focus: A Programming Case Study

TECHNOLOGY is a valuable instructional tool for teaching and learning fundamental concepts such as mathematics, reading, and writing. The teaching of advanced topics with abstract concepts can also benefit from instructional technology. For example, computer programming involves the design and development of problem-solving algorithms. Algorithms are inherently abstract ideas. The physical representation of algorithms can take on many forms (e.g., flowcharts, software, electronic voltages inside a computer) each of which is difficult to visualize and manipulate. This paper discusses a three-step implementation of an instructional technology tool and associated pedagogy to support teaching and learning programming concepts. The first step is to identify a valuable learning activity that clearly benefits conceptual understanding. We report a pencil-and-paper within-subjects experiment that demonstrates flowcharts to be valuable conceptual tools for novice programmers. The second step is to design an instructional technology tool that supports self-paced, reflective learning activity. We present theFlowchartInterpreter (FLINT), an instruction technology tool to support novice programmers. The third and final step is to develop and assess a teaching pedagogy that integrates the technology tool into the curriculum. We describe a between-subject experiment involving a treatment group utilizing the FLINT tool within an appropriate semester long pedagogy. The findings of the second experiment suggest a measurable advantage over the traditional textbook approach. We conclude with a discussion of the process and its implications for future efforts in other advanced topic disciplines.
An Akt/β-Arrestin 2/PP2A Signaling Complex Mediates Dopaminergic Neurotransmission and Behavior

Dopamine plays an important role in the etiology of schizophrenia, and D2 class dopamine receptors are the best-established target of antipsychotic drugs. Here we show that D2 class-receptor-mediated Akt regulation involves the formation of signaling complexes containing beta-arrestin 2, PP2A, and Akt. beta-arrestin 2 deficiency in mice results in reduction of dopamine-dependent behaviors, loss of Akt regulation by dopamine in the striatum, and disruption of the dopamine-dependent interaction of Akt with its negative regulator, protein phosphatase 2A. Importantly, canonical cAMP-mediated dopamine-receptor signaling is not inhibited in the absence of beta-arrestin 2. These results demonstrate that, apart from its classical function in receptor desensitization, beta-arrestin 2 also acts as a signaling intermediate through a kinase/phosphatase scaffold. Furthermore, this function of beta-arrestin 2 is important for the expression of dopamine-associated behaviors, thus implicating beta-arrestin 2 as a positive mediator of dopaminergic synaptic transmission and a potential pharmacological target for dopamine-related psychiatric disorders.
Automated grading of breast cancer histopathology using spectral clustering with textural and architectural image features

In this paper we present a novel image analysis methodology for automatically distinguishing low and high grades of breast cancer from digitized histopathology. A set of over 3,400 image features, including textural and nuclear architecture based features, are extracted from a database of 48 breast biopsy tissue studies (30 cancerous and 18 benign images). Spectral clustering is used to reduce the dimensionality of the feature set. A support vector machine (SVM) classifier is used (1) to distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous images, and (2) to distinguish between images containing low and high grades of cancer. Classification is repeated using different subsets of features to compare their performance. The system achieves a 95.8% accuracy in distinguishing cancer from non-cancer using texture-based characteristics (Gabor filter features), and 93.3% accuracy in distinguishing high from low grades of cancer using architectural features. In addition, we investigate the underlying manifold structure on which the different grades of breast cancer lie as revealed through spectral clustering. The manifold shows a smooth spatial transition from low to high grade breast cancer.
On complexity measures for biological sequences

In this work, we perform an empirical study of different published measures of complexity for general sequences, to determine their effectiveness in dealing with biological sequences. By effectiveness, we refer to how closely the given complexity measure is able to identify known biologically relevant relationships, such as closeness on a phylogenic tree. In particular, we study three complexity measures, namely, the traditional Shanon's entropy, linguistic complexity, and T-complexity. For each complexity measure, we construct the complexity profile for each sequence in our test set, and based on the profiles we compare the sequences using different performance measures based on: (i) the information theoretic divergence measure of relative entropy; (ii) apparent periodicity in the complexity profile; and (iii) correct phylogeny. The preliminary results show that the T-complexity was the least effective in identifying previously established known associations between the sequences in our test set. Shannon's entropy and linguistic-complexity provided better results, with Shannon's entropy having an upper hand.
The effects of computing technology in creative design tasks: a case study of design collaboration

We present two empirical studies of two pairs of students collaborating on two small product design sessions in both face-to-face and distributed settings while using computer-mediated communication technologies and a collaborative virtual environment. The study shows that teams spent more time working together when using programs that support shared sketching capabilities or shared viewing of 3D objects.
Ultrafast Dynamics of Solute-Solvent Complexation Observed at Thermal Equilibrium in Real Time

In general, the formation and dissociation of solute-solvent complexes have been too rapid to measure without disturbing the thermal equilibrium. We were able to do so with the use of two-dimensional infrared vibrational echo spectroscopy, an ultrafast vibrational analog of two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The equilibrium dynamics of phenol complexation to benzene in a benzene-carbon tetrachloride solvent mixture were measured in real time by the appearance of off-diagonal peaks in the two-dimensional vibrational echo spectrum of the phenol hydroxyl stretch. The dissociation time constant tau(d) for the phenol-benzene complex was 8 picoseconds. Adding two electron-donating methyl groups to the benzene nearly tripled the value of tau(d) and stabilized the complex, whereas bromobenzene, with an electron-withdrawing bromo group, formed a slightly weaker complex with a slightly lower tau(d). The spectroscopic method holds promise for studying a wide variety of other fast chemical exchange processes.
Male self-disclosure of HIV-positive serostatus to sex partners: a review of the literature

HIV-positive men face multiple challenges when deciding whether to disclose their serostatus to sex partners. The purpose of this literature review (1996-2004) is to identify valid and reliable research results that identify factors influencing serostatus disclosure to sex partners by men who are HIV-positive. Articles included in the review were identified through an electronic search using pertinent terms related to disclosure to sex partners, followed by a search of references for additional articles. A compilation of research results for 17 articles is presented under the headings of background, contextual, and psychosocial factors influencing disclosure. An analysis of the data suggests that differences in disclosure rates vary based on sex partner factors including serostatus, relationship status, and number of sex partners. Rates of disclosure to primary sex partners ranged from 67% to 88%, suggesting that nearly one third of main sex partners were not disclosed to and were at risk of contracting HIV, whereas a pattern of lower disclosure among casual partners was evident. As the number of sex partners increased, the likelihood of disclosure to all sex partners decreased, ranging from one quarter (25%) to slightly over half (58%). In addition, perceived efficaciousness and positive outcome expectations were the most frequent theoretical constructs embedded in the research associated with disclosure, suggesting that these factors play an important role in the process of disclosure to sex partners. Interpersonal factors that positively influenced self-disclosure included spousal support, emotional investment, and communication about safe sex, including asking about a partner's serostatus. Self-disclosure was not consistently associated with safer sex. Recommendations for future research are presented, based on the results included in this review.
The elusive tripodal tris(2-pyridyl)borate ligand: a strongly coordinating tetraarylborate

Tris(2-pyridyl)borates are introduced as a new robust and tunable “scorpionate”-type ligand family. A facile synthesis of this hitherto unknown ligand and its complexation to Fe(II) are described; the optical and electrochemical properties of the resulting iron complex are compared to complexes derived from tris(pyrazolyl)borate, tris(2-pyridyl)aluminate, and corresponding charge-neutral ligands.
New paradigms in the management of alloimmune refractoriness to platelet transfusions.

Purpose of reviewFollowing transfusion or pregnancy, a significant number of patients develop antibodies to class I human leukocyte antigen. Some will exhibit platelet transfusion refractoriness, defined as inappropriately low platelet count increments after two or more consecutive transfusions. Unf
Information Learned From Socialization Agents: Its Relationship to Credit Card Use

Credit card use among college students has reached unprecedented levels. As a result, there is a movement to better educate college students about wise credit use habits. This research examines the credit information provided by four socialization agents (parents, peers, media, and schools). In addition, it assesses the relationship between these socialization agents and the credit use behavior of college students. Using paired sample t tests, the results indicate that the amount of credit information given by parents is significantly greater than the information received from the other three sources (schools, peers, and media). Correlation analysis indicates that there is a significant negative relationship between the amount of credit information learned from parents and credit use. The more information provided by parents, the lower the outstanding balance carried by college students on their credit cards. Media sources, educational sources, and peer sources of information showed no significant relationship with credit use.
Effects of recurrent withdrawal on spinal GABA release during chronic morphine infusion in the rat.

Chronic opioid administration is associated with altered nociception. The mechanisms underlying these changes are not fully understood. Nociceptive transmission within the spinal cord is modulated by both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters. Using spinal microdialysis, the effects of recurrent withdrawal on the release of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), at rest or after naloxone stimulation, was investigated in rats chronically exposed to morphine. For comparison purpose, the release of glutamate was investigated in parallel. We observed that chronic morphine treatment alone significantly inhibited resting GABA release; and recurrent withdrawal appeared to reverse this effect. Recurrent withdrawal also significantly elevated resting glutamate levels. In addition, we observed that only acute withdrawal moderately increased stimulated GABA release. In contrast, both acute and recurrent withdrawal markedly increased stimulated glutamate release. These observed changes in GABA release offer direct evidence that GABA may contribute to the altered nociceptive response mediated by opioids.
Biomedicalización e infancia: trastorno de déficit de atención e hiperactividad

El articulo analiza criticamente el aumento de los ninos diagnosticados y tratados por el Trastorno de Deficit de Atencion e Hiperactividad (TDAH). Los analisis vinculan este creciente fenomeno con las estrategias de la industria farmaceutica para reposicionarse en el liderazgo de la conceptualizacion del proceso salud-enfermedad-atencion y en el mercado de salud. Utilizamos metodos analitico-interpretativos para estudiar datos primarios y secundarios, y realizar una extensa revision bibliografica. A la luz del concepto de biomedicalizacion analizamos los mecanismos subjetivo-ideologicos que facilitaron que este discurso se instituya como una nueva verdad sobre este trastorno y sea legitimado por los organismos gubernamentales y las organizaciones de la sociedad civil. La biomedicalizacion del sufrimiento infantil dificulta que se pongan en evidencia los profundos cambios socioeconomicos, politicos e ideologico-culturales que han transformado radicalmente nuestras sociedades en las ultimas decadas.
Algorithm specialization in generic programming: challenges of constrained generics in C++

Generic programming has recently emerged as a paradigm for developing highly reusable software libraries, most notably in C++. We have designed and implemented a constrained generics extension for C++ to support modular type checking of generic algorithms and to address other issues associated with unconstrained generics. To be as broadly applicable as possible, generic algorithms are defined with minimal requirements on their inputs. At the same time, to achieve a high degree of efficiency, generic algorithms may have multiple implementations that exploit features of specific classes of inputs. This process of algorithm specialization relies on non-local type information and conflicts directly with the local nature of modular type checking. In this paper, we review the design and implementation of our extensions for generic programming in C++, describe the issues of algorithm specialization and modular type checking in detail, and discuss the important design tradeoffs in trying to accomplish both.We present the particular design that we chose for our implementation, with the goal of hitting the sweet spot in this interesting design space.
The role of neutrophil elastase in elastin metabolism of pelvic tissues from women with stress urinary incontinence.

Objective Altered elastin metabolism is implicated in pelvic floor disorders. We studied neutrophil elastase (NE) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities in vaginal tissues from premenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Methods Elastase and NE activities in vaginal tissues were assessed. Protein and mRNA expressions were determined by RT-PCR and Western blot. Total elastin and collagen contents were evaluated. To compare the relative elastolytic effect of NE and MMP-2, we used their respective antibodies to immunoprecipitate these proteins from vaginal fibroblast extracts prior to assessing elastase activity. Results Elastase activity in vaginal wall tissues was significantly higher in the secretory compared to the proliferative phase. NE mRNA and protein expressions were similar between control and SUI tissues from the secretory phase. However, NE activity in the SUI tissues was higher compared to control tissues. The mRNA expression of alpha-1 antitrypsin (ATT) was higher in control tissues from the proliferative phase compared to those from the secretory phase, while no difference was observed in SUI tissues between either phase. Protein expression of the active form of ATT was decreased in SUI tissues compared to controls during the secretory phase. Anti-NE antibody reduced total elastase activity by 60–70%, compared to less than 20% reduction with anti-MMP-2 antibody. Conclusion During the secretory phase, elastolytic activity is increased in pelvic tissues from women with SUI, through an increase in NE activity and a concurrent decrease in ATT expression. The serine protease, NE, appears to be a more significant modulator of elastase activity compared to MMP-2. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:274–279, 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Assay for the Unidentified Growth Factor in Dried Whey

Abstract BERRY et al. (1943), Hill et al. (1944), Reed et al. (1951) and others reported the existence of a chick growth factor in dried whey (DW) which has been termed the “Whey Factor” (WF). In 1948 the availability of crystalline vitamin B12 made it possible to look for additional unidentified nutritional factors in natural sources of B12. Apparently the first reports of another unidentified factor in fish products were made by Carlson et al. (1949), who used a purified diet, and by Sunde et al. (1950), who used a diet of commercial feedstuffs. Camp et al. (1954) reported that there were two distinct unidentified growth factors (UGF) required by the chick for maximal growth; FF found in fish solubles and WF found in dried whey, a distiller’s fermentation solubles and hydrolyzed whey. Combs et al. (1954) supported the idea of the “multiplicity of the unidentified growth factors.” However, Summers et…
A power factor enhancement circuit

A circuit that offers a high degree of power factor correction at a minimal level of circuit complexity is presented. This circuit offers an attractive method of extracting a large amount of the power available from an energy-limited source. The performance and complexity penalties are small when compared with other methods of improving the input power factor. The design of this circuit is noncritical, with broad optimum for all parameters. The circuit is analyzed and the design equations are presented. The advantages of this circuit over active approaches include open-loop operation, low-output voltage, and higher efficiency. >
Coronary plaque erosion: recognition and management.

Guidelines for clinical care are derived most commonly from large clinical trials involving thousands of patients. These trials are usually conducted to test hypotheses that have been developed from interesting clinical observations and innovative pilot trials. In this issue of iJACC , Prati et al
Discussion Proliferation of Gastrointestinal Cells

This discussion continues the description of cell proliferation kinetics in gastrointestinal mucosa, particularly as it applies to man.
Insect Defensive Secretions: Hex-2-enal-1 in Pelmalosilpha coriacea (Blattaria) and Its Repellent Value under Natural Conditions

Adults of the brachypterous blattid Pelmatosilpha coriacea Rehn eject hex-2-enal-1 when they are disturbed. This compound is stored in a large sac situated between the sixth and seventh sternites. Under field conditions, the secretion of Pelmatosilpha was observed to be an effective repellent of ants. On the other hand, this cockroach was eaten readily by lizards of the genus Anolis. The implications of these results are discussed.
Time perspective as a mechanism for functional developmental adaptation.

Evolutionary Life History Theory (LHT) is a powerful framework that can be used for understanding behavioral strategies as functional adaptations to environmental conditions. Some evolutionary theorists have described how developmental environments can shape behavioral strategies. Theorists and previous research suggest that individuals developing in relatively less certain environments will exhibit riskier, present oriented, behavioral strategies because of the low probability of reproductive success for more cautious approaches. An evolutionary psychology approach to LHT includes the identification of psychological processes that regulate behavioral strategies as a result of developmental experiences. This paper proposes that time perspective is one psychological mechanism that may underlie functional developmental adaptation. A survey study of urban middle school students (N=607) assessed the relationship between perceptions of local social conditions, time perspective, and risky behaviors. Structural equation model analyses indicated that present and future orientations completely mediated the relationship of positive and negative aspects of students’ neighborhood social environment with reports of interpersonal aggression and illicit resource exploitation. This model had a better fit to the data than competing models depicting time perspective as a byproduct of either phenotypic strategy or social-environmental experiences.
Spatial Variation in Ordered Tributary Basins—A Proposed Classification

The location of tributary drainage basins nested within higher order systems forms the basis for a proposed classification into order-formative and order-excess subsystems. The significance of thes...
Sympathoinhibition and its reversal by naloxone during hemorrhage.

During hemorrhagic hypotension, vascular resistance, plasma norepinephrine, and sympathetic nerve activity decrease. Naloxone reverses these effects. We hypothesized that increased sympathetic nerv...
Role of Oxidized Lipids in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a multifactorial disease characterized by interplay of many cellular, molecular, and genetic events that lead to excessive proliferation of pulmonary cells, including smooth muscle and endothelial cells; inflammation; and extracellular matrix remodeling. Abnormal vascular changes and structural remodeling associated with PAH culminate in vasoconstriction and obstruction of pulmonary arteries, contributing to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular failure. The complex molecular mechanisms involved in the pathobiology of PAH are the limiting factors in the development of potential therapeutic interventions for PAH. Over the years, our group and others have demonstrated the critical implication of lipids in the pathogenesis of PAH. This review specifically focuses on the current understanding of the role of oxidized lipids, lipid metabolism, peroxidation, and oxidative stress in the progression of PAH. This review also discusses the relevance of apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptides and microRNA-193, which are known to regulate the levels of oxidized lipids, as potential therapeutics in PAH.
What's LPS Got to Do with It? A Role for Gut LPS Variants in Driving Autoimmune and Allergic Disease.

The bacterial communities that live in and on our bodies have a profound influence on our health. In a new paper in Cell, Vatanen et al. (2016) report that the composition of the early-life gut microbiome, particularly those species producing lipopolysaccharide, influences the onset of autoimmune and allergic disease.
Anti-CEA and other antibodies in the study of gastrointestinal tumors.

Localization of gastrointestinal tumors by means of labeled monoclonal antibodies is a new, sensitive and suitable technique currently used in several centers. Encouraging results have been documen...
Hidden and Planned Curricula

Initiatives such as “Child-Friendly Schools;” “Sanitary Schools” and “Schools as Zones of Peace,” may help schools to become safer and more welcoming for children, but the curriculum often remains theoretical – with little context-oriented information and limited “life skills” programs. Moreover, the hidden curriculum of the school system in many cases teaches the children obedience; that the school is a complex and costly environment; that children in school are “intelligent” (the others are not); that if the child fails in school it is his or her own fault; and that knowledge is mysterious, beyond the reach of most people. In many cases, curricular changes could transform education. In particular, lessons from vocational training and life skills programs could reconstruct a more practical and locally relevant curriculum, which would allow that not all children complete secondary school – and which would accept various forms of combined work and education. The curriculum would then be giving children a voice in their transition from school to work and from school to marriage. Further, we note that biological and genetic predisposing factors may change the level of trauma, resilience, and needed psychosocial support for children in adversity. Instead of transmitting a hidden curriculum adding to children’s sentiment of alienation, the schools need to become zones of security – and focus on psychological stabilization of children affected by traumatic events. Schools in adversity should also deal with remembrance and mourning and the reconnect with ordinary life.
Understanding the Experiences of Husbands in Step-Couples Implications for Strengthening Stepfamily Marriages

The literature on stepfamily functioning pays far more attention to issues of stepparenting than issues of marital success. However, the marital bond is equally important to support stepparenting success and provide the couple with a solid foundation for the family once the stepchildren have departed. To date, any literature concerning stepfamily marriage seems concentrated on the experience of wives in stepfamilies, relegating the experiences of husbands to an afterthought. In an attempt to redress this oversight, this article provides insights into the challenges facing husbands in stepfamilies, with implications for clinicians seeking to strengthen the marital relationship in stepfamilies.
Competition-Mediated Antibiotic Induction in the Marine Bacterium Streptomyces tenjimariensis

Microbial competition for limiting natural resources within a community is thought to be the selective force that promotes biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds The marine bacterium Streptomyces tenjimariensis produces the antibiotics istamycin A and B under select laboratory culture conditions; presumably these compounds serve an, ecological role under natural conditions. Here we report results of a novel marine microbial competion experiment that examined the impact of co-culture of marine bacteria on istamycin production by S. tenjimariensis. Twelve of the 53 bacterial species tested (i.e., 22.6%) induced Istamycin production; this antibiotic also inhibited growth of the competitor colonies. These results suggest that marine bacterial metabolites, serve an ecological role in countering competitive species.
Stable Isotope Labeling for Improved Comparative Analysis of RNA Digests by Mass Spectrometry.

Even with the advent of high throughput methods to detect modified ribonucleic acids (RNAs), mass spectrometry remains a reliable method to detect, characterize, and place post-transcriptional modifications within an RNA sequence. Here we have developed a stable isotope labeling comparative analysis of RNA digests (SIL-CARD) approach, which improves upon the original 18O/16O labeling CARD method. Like the original, SIL-CARD allows sequence or modification information from a previously uncharacterized in vivo RNA sample to be obtained by direct comparison with a reference RNA, the sequence of which is known. This reference is in vitro transcribed using a 13C/15N isotopically enriched nucleoside triphosphate (NTP). The two RNAs are digested with an endonuclease, the specificity of which matches the labeled NTP used for transcription. As proof of concept, several transfer RNAs (tRNAs) were characterized by SIL-CARD, where labeled guanosine triphosphate was used for the reference in vitro transcription. RNase T1 digestion products from the in vitro transcript will be 15 Da higher in mass than the same digestion products from the in vivo tRNA that are unmodified, leading to a doublet in the mass spectrum. Singlets, rather than doublets, arise if a sequence variation or a post-transcriptional modification is present that results in a relative mass shift different from 15 Da. Moreover, the use of the in vitro synthesized tRNA transcript allows for quantitative measurement of RNA abundance. Overall, SIL-CARD simplifies data analysis and enhances quantitative RNA modification mapping by mass spectrometry.
Intrusive effects of repetitive laser pulsing in high-speed tracer-LIF measurements

The effects of repetitive laser pulsing on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) signals from three popular organic flow tracers, acetone, 3-pentanone, and biacetyl are examined experimentally in the context of high-speed PLIF imaging. The effects of varying the incident laser fluence, laser repetition rates, tracer mole fractions, and carrier gas (air or N2) are investigated. Repetitive laser pulsing leads to changes in the measured LIF signal as a function of laser pulse number for all three tracers. For biacetyl/air mixtures, the LIF signal increases as a function of pulse number and the LIF signal increase per pulse is observed to be a function of the incident laser fluence. For biacetyl/air mixtures at room temperature, the increase in LIF signal during repetitive laser pulsing is attributed solely to absorptive heating of the probe volume, which is confirmed by Rayleigh scattering thermometry measurements. For acetone and 3-pentanone mixtures in the air, the LIF signal decreases with increasing pulse number and the LIF signal depletion per pulse is a linear function of incident laser fluence. This allows the signal depletion per pulse from acetone and 3-pentanone to be normalized by laser fluence and generalized to a single parameter of 0.002%/pulse/(mJ/cm2). There is no discernable effect of varying the tracer mole fraction or the laser repetition rate over the range of values investigated. The substitution of N2 for the air as a carrier gas leads to a significant decrease in the signal depletion per pulse. The potential mechanisms for the enhanced signal depletion in the presence of oxygen are discussed. A likely source is “photo-oxidation”, where the products of laser photolysis react with the surrounding O2 to form the highly reactive hydroxyl (OH) radical, which then oxidizes the tracer. Overall, the current results indicate that under repetitive laser pulsing conditions (i.e., high-speed imaging), the tracer-LIF measurement techniques can be considered intrusive unless the laser fluences are kept sufficiently low. The implications for turbulent flow measurements are discussed including recommendations for minimizing the intrusive repetitive pulsing effects.
σ Receptor Effects of N-Substituted Benztropine Analogs: Implications for Antagonism of Cocaine Self-Administration

Several N-substituted benztropine (BZT) analogs are atypical dopamine transport inhibitors as they have affinity for the dopamine transporter (DAT) but have minimal cocaine-like pharmacologic effects and can block numerous effects of cocaine, including its self-administration. Among these compounds, N-methyl (AHN1-055), N-allyl (AHN2-005), and N-butyl (JHW007) analogs of 3α-[bis(4'-fluorophenyl)methoxy]-tropane were more potent in antagonizing self-administration of cocaine and d-methamphetamine than in decreasing food-maintained responding. The antagonism of cocaine self-administration (0.03-1.0 mg/kg per injection) with the above BZT analogs was reproduced in the present study. Further, the stimulant-antagonist effects resembled previously reported effects of pretreatments with combinations of standard DAT inhibitors and σ1-receptor (σ1R) antagonists. Therefore, the present study examined binding of the BZT analogs to σRs, as well as their in vivo σR antagonist effects. Each of the BZT analogs displaced radiolabeled σR ligands with nanomolar affinity. Further, self-administration of the σR agonist DTG (0.1-3.2 mg/kg/injection) was dose dependently blocked by AHN2-005 and JHW007 but potentiated by AHN1-055. In contrast, none of the BZT analogs that were active against DTG self-administration was active against the self-administration of agonists at dopamine D1-like [R(+)-SKF 81297, (±)-SKF 82958 (0.00032-0.01 mg/kg per injection each)], D2-like [R(-)-NPA (0.0001-0.0032 mg/kg per injection), (-)-quinpirole (0.0032-0.1 mg/kg per injection)], or μ-opioid (remifentanil, 0.0001-0.0032 mg/kg per injection) receptors. The present results indicate that behavioral antagonist effects of the N-substituted BZT analogs are specific for abused drugs acting at the DAT and further suggest that σR antagonism contributes to those actions.