cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Postmaterialism in Colombia

Colombia has spent decades "under a state of siege" (Amnesty International 5). This fact has become so apparent in their daily lives that the majority of Colombians manage to grow accustomed to social and political instability. Despite the lack of security, therefore, they lessened the emphasis placed on materialistic goods and allowed for the development of potmaterialistic values. According to political scientist Ronald Inglehart, the postmaterialistic state is one in which "a growing emphasis on the quality of life and selfexpression is accompanied by a declining emphasis on traditional political, religious, moral and social norms" (Inglehart 66). With this in mind, the fact that Colombians face increasing levels of poverty and political unrest leads many researchers to believe that the presence of postmaterialism without financial stability and personal security is unlikely. However, the demand for women’s rights and environmental conservation have taken on a greater role in shaping Colombian society, maintaining this belief therefore leads researchers to wrongly exclude Colombia from studies of postmaterialism. Citizens’ desire for environmentalism and women’s rights indicates the unlikelihood that the country is completely without postmaterialistic values. Therefore, researchers should use Colombia to study how various societal circumstances determine the degree to which postmaterialism plays a role in individual lives. This article is available in Res Publica Journal of Undergraduate Research: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/respublica/vol7/iss1/5 Postmaterialism in Colombia
Genotype does not predict severity of behavioural phenotype in juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (Batten disease)

Aim The primary aim of this investigation was to examine genotype and clinical phenotype differences in individuals with juvenile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (JNCL) who were homozygous for a common disease-causing deletion or compound heterozygous. The secondary aim was to cross-validate the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Unified Batten Disease Rating Scale (UBDRS), a disease-specific JNCL rating scale. Method Sixty individuals (28 males, 32 females; mean age 15y 1mo, SD 4y 9mo, range 5y 8mo–31y 1mo) with JNCL completed the UBDRS. Results No significant genotype and clinical phenotype differences were identified when comparing individuals homozygous for the deletion with a heterogeneous group of compound heterozygous individuals. There were significant correlations among related behaviour items and scales on the CBCL and UBDRS (Spearman’s rho ranging from 0.39 [p<0.05] to 0.72 [p<0.01]). Behaviour and physical function ratings were uncorrelated, supporting divergent validity of these two constructs in JNCL. Interpretation Previous reports of genotype and clinical phenotype differences were unsupported in this investigation, which did not find differences between individuals homozygous or heterozygous for the CLN3 deletion. The CBCL, an already validated measure of behaviour problems, appears valid for use in JNCL and cross-validates well with the UBDRS.
New macroeconomics teaching for a new era: instability, inequality, and environment

The financial crisis of 2008 and its aftermath offer an opportunity to institute significant reform in economics teaching, starting at the introductory level. Mainstream macroeconomics texts still rely heavily on a classical assumption of a long-run full employment equilibrium, which underrates the possibility, severity, and duration of economic crises. They have little treatment of inequality, virtually no consideration of its macroeconomic effects, and pay almost no attention to the environment. A better approach starts with the use of a dynamic AS/AD model, with inflation rather than the price level on the vertical axis, avoiding the spurious implication that there is some stable price level at which the entire macroeconomy will reach equilibrium. With this approach, there is no presumption that the economy will automatically return to a situation of full employment. Rather, there is an important role for conscious fiscal and monetary policy. In this context, it becomes possible to discuss how economies can be characterized by different equilibria and disequilibria, varied growth paths with different environmental impacts, and inherent instability. The analysis can be used to illustrate recent and historical shifts in the economy and economic policy responses. While not necessarily tied to the concept of a âgreen economy,â a more dynamic analysis is strongly compatible with an environmental interpretation of macroeconomics, including environmental policy to respond to global climate change and other problems.
Salvinorin A, a Kappa-Opioid Receptor Agonist Hallucinogen: Pharmacology and Potential Template for Novel Pharmacotherapeutic Agents in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Salvinorin A is a potent hallucinogen, isolated from the ethnomedical plant Salvia divinorum. Salvinorin A is a selective high efficacy kappa-opioid receptor (KOPr) agonist, and thus implicates the KOPr system and its endogenous agonist ligands (the dynorphins) in higher functions, including cognition, and perceptual effects. Salvinorin A is the only selective KOPr ligand to be widely available outside research or medical settings, and salvinorin A- containing products have undergone frequent non-medical use. KOPr/dynorphin systems in the brain are known to be powerful counter-modulatory mechanisms to dopaminergic function, which is important in mood and reward engendered by natural and drug reinforcers (including drugs of abuse). KOPr activation (including by salvinorin A) can thus cause aversion and anhedonia in preclinical models. Salvinorin A is also a completely new scaffold for medicinal chemistry approaches, since it is a non-nitrogenous neoclerodane, unlike all other known opioid ligands. Ongoing efforts have the goal of discovering novel semi-synthetic salvinorin analogs with potential KOPr-mediated pharmacotherapeutic effects (including partial agonist or biased agonist effects), with a reduced burden of undesirable effects associated with salvinorin A.
Regulation of the c-met Proto-oncogene Promoter by p53

In the present study, we have investigated the possible involvement of p53 in the transcriptional regulation of the c-met gene. Cotransfection of various c-metpromoter reporter vectors with p53 expression plasmids demonstrated that only wild-type p53 but not tumor-derived mutant forms of p53 resulted in a significant enhancement of c-met promoter activity. Functional assays revealed that the p53 responsive element in the c-met promoter region is located at position −278 to −216 and confers p53 responsiveness not only in the context of the c-met promoter but also in the context of a heterologous promoter. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using purified recombinant p53 protein showed that the p53 binding element identified within the c-met promoter specifically binds to p53 protein. Induction of p53 by UV irradiation in RKO cells that express wild-type p53 increased the level of the endogenous c-metgene product and p21WAF1/CIP1, a known target of p53 regulation. On the other hand, in RKO cells in which the function of p53 is impaired either by stable transfection of a dominant negative form of p53 or by HPV-E6 viral protein, no induction of the endogenous c-met gene or p21WAF1/CIP1 was noted by UV irradiation. These results suggest that the c-met gene is also a target of p53 gene regulation.
Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth After 35 Years: Uncovering Antecedents for the Development of Math-Science Expertise:

This review provides an account of the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) after 35 years of longitudinal research. Findings from recent 20-year follow-ups from three cohorts, plus 5- or 10-year findings from all five SMPY cohorts (totaling more than 5,000 participants), are presented. SMPY has devoted particular attention to uncovering personal antecedents necessary for the development of exceptional math-science careers and to developing educational interventions to facilitate learning among intellectually precocious youth. Along with mathematical gifts, high levels of spatial ability, investigative interests, and theoretical values form a particularly promising aptitude complex indicative of potential for developing scientific expertise and of sustained commitment to scientific pursuits. Special educational opportunities, however, can markedly enhance the development of talent. Moreover, extraordinary scientific accomplishments require extraordinary commitment both in and outside of school. The theory of work adjustment (TWA) is useful in conceptualizing talent identification and development and bridging interconnections among educational, counseling, and industrial psychology. The lens of TWA can clarify how some sex differences emerge in educational settings and the world of work. For example, in the SMPY cohorts, although more mathematically precocious males than females entered math-science careers, this does not necessarily imply a loss of talent because the women secured similar proportions of advanced degrees and high-level careers in areas more correspondent with the multidimensionality of their ability-preference pattern (e.g., administration, law, medicine, and the social sciences). By their mid-30s, the men and women appeared to be happy with their life choices and viewed themselves as equally successful (and objective measures support these subjective impressions). Given the ever-increasing importance of quantitative and scientific reasoning skills in modern cultures, when mathematically gifted individuals choose to pursue careers outside engineering and the physical sciences, it should be seen as a contribution to society, not a loss of talent.
Hoe/lensless matched spatial filter wavelength-scaling correlator

A scaling correlator optical pattern recognition system is described in which a lensless matched spatial filter (with the second Fourier transform lens and the matched spatial filter recorded on the same plate) is used with a first Fourier transform lens that is also an holographic optical element. The matched spatial filter is recorded at one wavelength and correlation is obtained at a second wavelength. Experimental demonstration and output correlation SNR data are reported, together with a comparison of the system's noise level using conventional optics and holographic elements.
'Green' Composites Using Modified Soy Protein Concentrate Resin and Flax Fabrics and Yarns

Fully biodegradable, environment-friendly ‘green' composites were fabricated using glutaraldehyde (GA) modified (MSPC-1) and GA and poly(vinyl alcohol) modified (MSPC-2) soy protein concentrate (SPC) resins. The SPC modifications resulted in better thermal and mechanical properties and lower moisture absorption due to the additional cross-linking provided by GA. Flax fabrics were used to reinforce MSPC-1 resin to produce composite sheets. Flax yarns were used to fabricate unidirectional composites using MSPC-2 resin. The fabric reinforced composites showed strength values of 50-55MPa and Young's modulus values around 1GPa. The yarn reinforced composites showed strength of over 125MPa and modulus values of about 2.25GPa in the longitudinal direction. These results indicate that green composites may be made with useful mechanical properties. The flax yarn reinforced composites may be used in secondary structural applications in automotive, housing and packaging whereas fabric reinforced composites may be used in packaging and indoor panels.
MIGRATION, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND WAGES: THE CASE OF THE CALIFORNIA SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

The California San Joaquin Valley labor market appears to be at odds with basic economic principles in the sense that despite higher unemployment rates and lower wages, it has continually attracted an influx of in-migrants, domestic and international. By examining county-level data for the last two decades, the analysis in this paper is built around two main questions. First, in what proportion does local employment growth reduce local unemployment, increase labor force participation and attract outsiders who will likely take the newly created jobs? Second, to what extent regional migration rates respond to regional relative wages and unemployment differentials? Both questions aim to gain a better understanding of the San Joanquin Valley labor market and the migrants’ decisions to move there, which might shed light in the design and implementation of development policies aimed at reducing unemployment. Results provide evidence that market forces alone are insufficient to correct regional unemployment disparities. Three main findings are offered. First, in-migrants workers fill most of the newly created jobs. Second, migration seems unresponsive to the unemployment level but responsive to changes in farm income. Third, migration is sensitive to government-based benefits, property crime rates and housing prices. (JEL R11, R23, R58)
Renal fibrosis: New insights into the pathogenesis and therapeutics

Renal fibrosis is the inevitable consequence of an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix that occurs in virtually every type of chronic kidney disease. The pathogenesis of renal fibrosis is a progressive process that ultimately leads to end-stage renal failure, a devastating disorder that requires dialysis or kidney transplantation. In a simplistic view, renal fibrosis represents a failed wound-healing process of the kidney tissue after chronic, sustained injury. Several cellular pathways, including mesangial and fibroblast activation as well as tubular epithelial–mesenchymal transition, have been identified as the major avenues for the generation of the matrix-producing cells in diseased conditions. Among the many fibrogenic factors that regulate renal fibrotic process, transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) is one that plays a central role. Although defective matrix degradation may contribute to tissue scarring, the exact action and mechanisms of the matrix-degrading enzymes in the injured kidney have become increasingly complicated. Recent discoveries on endogenous antifibrotic factors have evolved novel strategies aimed at antagonizing the fibrogenic action of TGF- β /Smad signaling. Many therapeutic interventions appear effective in animal models; however, translation of these promising results into humans in the clinical setting remains a daunting task. This mini-review attempts to highlight the recent progress in our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways leading to renal fibrosis, and discusses the challenges and opportunities in developing therapeutic strategies.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Feeding on Hepatic Mitochondria in the Monkey

The effect of chronic ethanol feeding on hepatic mitochondrial morphology and histochemically measured succinic dehydrogenase activity was assessed. Five monkeys of the species Macaca radiata received a nutritionally adequate diet containing 50% of the calories as ethanol, while five others were pair-fed the same diet except that ethanol was isocalorically substituted by carbohydrate. Liver morphology was assessed at 12 and 24 months and at sacrifice after 40 to 48 months of ethanol feeding. The ethanol-fed animals developed mild to moderate fatty liver as did some of the controls. No necrosis or fibrosis developed. All ethanol-fed animals developed centrilobolar mega-mitochondria and centrilobular “shift” in histochemically assayed succinic dehydrogenase activity characteristic of animals fed ethanol for prolonged periods. These mitochondrial changes persisted throughout the 48-month test period without progressive increase in severity or accompanying pathology. It is concluded that the morphologic and histochemically assessed mitochondrial changes do not necessarily represent a progressive destructive effect of ethanol.
Cooperative critical thermal transition of potassium accumulation in smooth muscle.

The steady-state levels of potassium and sodium of taenia coli of guinea are critically affected by varying temperature in the narrow range 12° to °C. For the accumulation of both cations the critical temperature, Tc, is 13.8°C the presence of millimolar external potassium. The value of Tc, decreases 10.0°C when the external potassium is raised to 10 millimolar. Since, at a fixed Temperature, the potassium accumulation follows a cooperative mechanism, the results are compared with the quantitative predictions of this approach. The itical thermal transition behavior can be described in terms of the cooperative cumulation process.
Microbiological Assay for Estimating Concentrations of dl-Alanosine in Mouse Tissue

A sensitive, precise microbiological assay was developed for the determination of tissue distribution of dl-alanosine, a new antitumor agent.
Hybrid media consumption: how tweeting during a televised political debate influences the vote decision

An increasing number of people are using microblogs to broadcast their thoughts in real time as they watch televised political events. Microblogging social network sites (SNSs) such as Twitter generate a parallel stream of information and opinion. It is presumed that the additional content enhances the viewing experience, but our experiment explores the validity of this assumption. We studied how tweeting, or passively observing Twitter during a debate, influenced affect, recall and vote decision. For most measures, participants' average feeling and recall toward the candidates did not depend on Twitter activity, but Twitter activity did matter for vote choice. People who actively tweeted changed their voting choice to reflect the majority sentiment on Twitter. Results are discussed in terms of the possibility that active tweeting leads to greater engagement but that it may also make people more susceptible to social influence.
Identification of contaminated soil using CO2 laser reflectance ratios

A mid-infrared laser reflectance sensor operating within the 9-11 micrometer wavelength range was used to study the reflectance characteristics of soil contaminated with various commercially available chemical liquid materials. Measurements were made at ten wavelengths and three incidence angles under both co-polarized and cross-polarized scatter conditions. Data were gathered from bare soil, as well as soil saturated with anti-freeze/coolant, unused motor oil, and used motor oil. Calibration was performed using a Labsphere Diffuse Reflectance Standard of 94% nominal reflectivity. The measurements were used to compute reflectance ratios, i.e., ratios of reflectivities at various two-wavelength combinations. Our study indicates that it is possible to detect the presence of as well as to identify the type of contamination present in the soil by computing reflectance ratios at judiciously selected wavelengths. Use of wavelength ratios obviates the need for absolute calibration if the atmospheric transmission characteristics are the same at the two probing wavelengths. This technique is well-suited for standoff detection of contaminated soil.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Organisational Cooperation: Law Enforcement Agencies Working Together

This study examines the interorganisational relationships between chiefs of police and county sheriffs towards a state law enforcement agency. The findings revealed high levels of chiefs and sheriffs' contact with the state agency. High levels of requests for routine and major assistance were reported. With respect to request for major assistance, there was a significant difference between chiefs and sheriffs. Sheriffs were significantly more likely to seek help on major cases. While there were a few isolated cases of pointed dissatisfaction, overall, both chiefs and sheriffs reported high levels of satisfaction with the state agency. Sheriffs were also more likely to report service duplication by the state agency. Duplication, however, was not necessarily viewed as a negative.
Erratum: John F. Morgan (2008) The invisible man: A self‐help guide for men with eating disorders, compulsive exercise and bigorexia, routledge: London, UK, (paperback), pp. 172, ISBN 978‐1‐58391‐150‐1

The above paper (DOI: 10.1002/erv.905) was published online on 24 February 2009 in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.com), and in print in European Eating Disorders Review17 (2): 162–163. The following error was subsequently identified. The author of this book review was wrongly given as Frances Connan. The author was in fact Joanne Waine. The Publisher accepts full responsibility for this error and would like to apologise for any confusion caused.
A Collective Description of Electron Interactions: IV. Electron Interaction in Metals

The effects of the Coulomb interaction between free electrons in an electron gas are considered for a variety of phenomena. The analysis is based on the collective description, which describes the long-range correlations in electronic positions (due to the Coulomb force) in terms of the collective oscillations of the system as a whole. It is shown that an independent electron model should provide a good description of the electrons in a metal in many cases of interest. The ground state energy of the free electron gas is determined, and an estimate of the correlation energy is obtained, with results in good agreement with those of Wigner. The exchange energy is shown to be greatly reduced by the long-range correlations, so that its effect on the level density and the specific heat is comparatively slight, leading to an electronic specific heat for Na which is approximately 80 percent of the free-electron value. The possible ferromagnetism of a free-electron gas is investigated, and it is found that the long-range Coulomb correlations are such that a free-electron gas will never become ferromagnetic (no matter how low the density). The excitation of the collective oscillations by a fast charged particle is studied, and the semiclassical results obtained by Bohm and Pines are verified by a quantum-mechanical calculation. The results are applied to the experiments of Ruthermann and Lang on the scattering of electrons by thin metallic films and to experiments on the stopping power of light metals for fast charged particles, with resulting good agreement between theory and experiment.
Interaction of ultrasound with neoplastic tissue: IV. alteration of biologic activity in cells derived from rat Wilms' tumor sonicated in vivo.

Abstract Paired Wistar-Furth male rats were implanted subcutaneously with the Furth-Columbia rat Wilms' tumor. Seven days after implantation the tumors were either subjected to therapeutic ultrasound irradiation or were left as untreated controls. On the ninth day after implantation the animals were sacrificed, and suspensions of cells were made from the excised tumors by trypsinization. The cells were counted using trypan blue dye as an indicator of viability. New rats were then implanted with cells either from sonicated tumors or cells from controls. In half the recipient animals the suspensions were matched by total cell count. In the other half of the rats cell counts were matched for viability by the dye exclusion test. Tumors developed in a total of 8 of 11 rats receiving control cells and they died. A palpable tumor did not develop in any rat receiving cells from sonicated tumors during the ninety-day study period. Surviving rats were challenged with Wilms' tumor by trocar implant. Tumor developed in all recipients, and they died.
The stability of Ti2/Cr2 artificial superlattices

Abstract The thermal stability of Ti 2 /Cr 2 artificial superlattices is assessed for [110] and [111] growth using sputter deposited thin films. The [111] film growth is qualitatively found to be more stable than [110] through a comparison of the decay of the composition profile as measured with grazing incidence x-ray diffraction. Computation of the directionally dependent interdiffusivities D B , however, show the [110] and [111] films to be nearly equivalent. An activation energy Q of 5.6 kcal/mole is computed for Ti 2 /Cr 2 (111) thin films.
RSEM: accurate transcript quantification from RNA-Seq data with or without a reference genome

RNA-Seq is revolutionizing the way transcript abundances are measured. A key challenge in transcript quantification from RNA-Seq data is the handling of reads that map to multiple genes or isoforms. This issue is particularly important for quantification with de novo transcriptome assemblies in the absence of sequenced genomes, as it is difficult to determine which transcripts are isoforms of the same gene. A second significant issue is the design of RNA-Seq experiments, in terms of the number of reads, read length, and whether reads come from one or both ends of cDNA fragments. We present RSEM, an user-friendly software package for quantifying gene and isoform abundances from single-end or paired-end RNA-Seq data. RSEM outputs abundance estimates, 95% credibility intervals, and visualization files and can also simulate RNA-Seq data. In contrast to other existing tools, the software does not require a reference genome. Thus, in combination with a de novo transcriptome assembler, RSEM enables accurate transcript quantification for species without sequenced genomes. On simulated and real data sets, RSEM has superior or comparable performance to quantification methods that rely on a reference genome. Taking advantage of RSEM's ability to effectively use ambiguously-mapping reads, we show that accurate gene-level abundance estimates are best obtained with large numbers of short single-end reads. On the other hand, estimates of the relative frequencies of isoforms within single genes may be improved through the use of paired-end reads, depending on the number of possible splice forms for each gene. RSEM is an accurate and user-friendly software tool for quantifying transcript abundances from RNA-Seq data. As it does not rely on the existence of a reference genome, it is particularly useful for quantification with de novo transcriptome assemblies. In addition, RSEM has enabled valuable guidance for cost-efficient design of quantification experiments with RNA-Seq, which is currently relatively expensive.
Is the Second Phase of a Biphasic Defibrillation Waveform the Defihrillating Phase

Why some biphasic waveforms defibrillate with lower energies than monophasic waveforms of similar duration is unknown. One hypothesis is that the first phase of a hiphasic waveform acts as a conditioning, hyperpolarizing prepulse to prepare for defihrillation by a second depolarizing phase. To test whether the second phase of a biphasic waveform is the defibrillating phase, three monophasic wavefarms, an ascending ramp (A), a square wove (S), and a descending ramp (D), were compared to three biphasic waveforms with A, S, or D in the first phase (biphasic first phase) and three hiphasic waveforms with A, S, or D in the second phase (biphasic second phase). Two defibrillation thresholds for each waveform were performed in 18 open chest pigs and mean defibrillation thresholds were compared. In nine pigs 16-msec monophasic and 16/16-msec biphasic waveforms were ranked by mean current and energy at defibrillation threshold. The ranks were the same for monophasic and biphasic second phase waveforms: for mean current A < S = D and for energy A < S < D. The ranks were different for the biphasic first phase ivaveforms: far mean current S < A = D and for energy S < A = D. Although ranks for the 16-msec monophasic ivaveforms matched those for the 16/16-msec biphasic second phase waveforms, the biphasic waveforms had higher mean currents and energies at defihrillation threshold. in nine pigs defibrillation thresholds for 6-msec monophasic and 6/6-msec biphasic ivaveforms were ranked. For mean current the ranks were monophasic: A < S = D: biphasic first phase: A = S = D; and biphasic second phase: S = D < A. For energy the ranks were monophasic: A = S < D; biphasic first phase: A = S = D: and biphasic second phase; S = D < A. Thus, ranks for the 6-nisec monophasic waveforms differed from those for the 6/6-msec biphasic second phase waveforms. For 16/16-msec biphasic waveforms, less effective for defibrillation than corresponding 16-msec monophasic waveforms, these results support the hypothesis that the second phase of a biphasic waveform defihrillates since the defibrillation efficacy of a 16/16-msec biphasic waveform is reiated to the defibrillation efficacy of its second phase waveshape. However, for clinicaily useful 6/6-msec biphasic waveforms, more effective for defibrillation than 6-msec monophasic waveforms, the hypothesis is not supported because the ability of a 6/6-msec biphasic waveform to defibrillate is unrelated to the defibrillation efficacy of its second phase waveshape.
Specificity of Retinoid Receptor Gene Expression in Mouse Cervical Epithelia

Retinoids are powerful regulators of epithelial differentiation and are essential for its maintenance. Because retinoids are necessary for cervical epithelial differentiation, they have been used as chemopreventive agents of cervical dysplasia and neoplasia. We were interested in determining whether different cervical epithelial phenotypes express specific retinoid receptors. The cervical epithelium contains the two phenotypes, stratified squamous and simple columnar, which join at the squamocolumnar junction. In addition, the simple columnar epithelium undergoes squamous metaplasia in response to vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, the cervical epithelium is suitable to study the expression pattern of the retinoid receptors in the three phenotypes, simple columnar, stratified squamous, and squamous metaplastic, simultaneously. The distribution pattern of the major retinoic acid receptor (RAR) isoforms (alpha 1, alpha 2, beta 2, beta 3, gamma 1, and gamma 2) and retinoid-X receptors (RXR alpha, -beta, and -g...
Brain glucose levels are elevated in chronically hyperglycemic diabetic rats: No evidence for protective adaptation by the blood brain barrier☆

Recent evidence suggests that brain function may be impaired by prolonged elevations of blood glucose, such as those that occur in poorly controlled diabetes. However, little is known about the effects of such hyperglycemia on brain metabolic substrate levels. Using microdialysis in awake, freely moving rats, we directly measured brain extracellular fluid (ECF) glucose, lactate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate (betaOHB) levels in the inferior colliculus in chronically hyperglycemic BB/wor diabetic rats and in control (Sprague-Dawley) rats during euglycemia and acute hyperglycemia. The ECF:plasma glucose ratio (0.27 to 0.34) was remarkably similar in animals from all 3 groups, resulting in proportional elevations of brain ECF glucose in the hyperglycemic groups. Moreover, brain ECF levels of lactate and beta-OHB were increased in diabetic (DM) rats as compared with controls. Our results suggest that no significant protective adaptation of the blood brain barrier (BBB) transfer of glucose occurs in chronic hyperglycemia. Hence, brain tissue may be chronically exposed to markedly elevated levels of glucose and other metabolic fuels during poorly controlled diabetes, and therefore it may be subject to the same long-term adverse effects of hyperglycemia seen in peripheral tissues.
The Problem, Policy, and Political Streams of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009: Implications for Social Work Practice

Protection from employment discrimination has been a long battle waged by the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community and allies. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) of 2009 could provide comprehensive federal protection from employment discrimination based upon sexual orientation. In this article, John Kingdon's framework for policy analysis is used to explore the federal ENDA.
The promise of cardiovascular biomarkers in assessing children with cardiac disease and in predicting cardiovascular events in adults

Abstract Cardiac and vascular biomarkers are used in the diagnosis, assessment, and prognosis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases in adults and children. For children, cardiac biomarkers are most often used to assess cardiomyopathy or congenital cardiovascular malformations or for monitoring during cardio-pulmonary bypass and pre- and post-heart transplantation. Because the risk for cardiovascular events in adulthood can be tracked from childhood, interest is high in identifying biomarkers of vascular inflammation in children that might also predict atherosclerotic events later in life. Here, we review the most common and promising biomarkers and comment on their current and potential uses in monitoring and predicting cardiovascular dysfunction.
Obstacles of Grief: The Experiences of Children Processing Grief on the Ropes Course

Children who are grieving benefit from opportunities to express their feelings and share their experiences. This qualitative study explores children's experiences engaging in ropes course activities to address grief. Five themes are presented that encompass (a) grief as a process, (b) expression of feelings, (c) support, (d) coping, and (e) empowerment and hope. The author also discusses the implications of using ropes course activities within bereavement programs and recommendations for future research.
ADP-Glo: A Bioluminescent and Homogeneous ADP Monitoring Assay for Kinases

ADP-Glo™ is a novel bioluminescent, homogeneous assay for monitoring ADP producing biochemical reactions and thus it is an ideal assay for detecting enzyme activity using a wide variety of substrates. It is a universal assay that can be used with protein kinases, lipid kinases, sugar kinases, and many more kinases as well as ATPases. Because of its high sensitivity, it is suitable for monitoring enzyme activities at very early substrate conversions requiring very low amount of enzymes. Furthermore, as the assay is applicable to a broad range of ATP and substrate concentrations, it is optimal for enzymes that require high ATP and substrate concentrations. This is critical since inhibitor potency has to be demonstrated at the cellular level where ATP is present at millimolar concentrations. ADP-Glo is performed in 2 steps upon completion of kinase reaction: a combined termination of kinase reaction and depletion of remaining ATP in the first step, and conversion of generated ADP to ATP and the newly produce...
Application of Waveform Analytics for Improved Situational Awareness of Electric Distribution Feeders

Over the past several years, distribution utilities have invested heavily in installations of “smart-meter” advanced metering initiative (AMI) systems. Among the anticipated benefits of these systems, utilities with smart-meter deployments are generally able to quickly assess which portions of their systems are operating normally and which customers are experiencing an outage. Projects at multiple utilities have focused on integrating AMI information, along with traditional supervisory control and data acquisition data sources, into utility distribution management systems to improve situational awareness on distribution feeders. Despite the clear benefits each of these systems offer, their ability to provide utilities with broad awareness of events affecting the health and status of the distribution system is limited, and often reactive in nature. This paper presents never-before-published cases observed in real-world field trials, detailing how integration of waveform analytics into utility operational practice leads to improved situational awareness.
Proposed mechanism of acetate accumulation in two recombinant Escherichia coli strains during high density fermentation.

The productivity of Escherichia coli as a producer of recombinant proteins is affected by its metabolic properties, especially by acetate production. Two commercially used E. coli strains, BL21 (λDE3) and JM109, differ significantly in their acetate production during batch fermentation at high initial glucose concentrations. E. coli BL21 grows to an optical density (OD, 600 nm) of 100 and produces no more than 2 g/L acetate, while E. coli JM109 grows to an OD (600 nm) of 80 and produces up to 14 g/L acetate. Even in fed-batch fermentation, when glucose concentration is maintained between 0.5 and 1.0 g/L, JM109 accumulates 4 times more acetate than BL21. To investigate the difference between the two strains, metabolites and enzymes involved in carbon utilization and acetate production were analyzed (isocitrate, ATP, phosphoenolpyruvate, pyruvate, isocitrate lyase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase). The results showed that during batch fermentation isocitrate lyase activity and isocitrate concentration were higher in BL21 than in JM109, while pyruvate concentration was higher in JM109. The activation of the glyoxylate shunt pathway at high glucose concentrations is suggested as a possible explanation for the lower acetate accumulation in E. coli BL21. Metabolic flux analysis of the batch cultures supports the activity of the glyoxylate shunt in E. coli BL21. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng57: 71–78, 1998.
Desorption and photopolymerization behavior of mixed and multilayered styrene–pyrrole nanofilms

Abstract The molecular arrangement and polymerization of adsorbed styrene–pyrrole films were explored using two different dosing schemes: simultaneous dosing to form an intimately mixed film of the two monomers and sequential dosing to form films with distinct layers of styrene and pyrrole. It was found that the desorption of pyrrole was delayed until 175 K when either simultaneously dosed with styrene or in the presence of an overlying styrene layer, whereas it normally desorbs at 165 K when dosed alone. No such effects were observed with styrene in any dosing configuration. The polymerization rate of pyrrole was unaffected in the films when present as the top layer and was observed to decrease by 50% when beneath a styrene layer. Moreover, the rate of polymerization increased by two orders of magnitude in the case of the intimately mixed film. The rate of styrene polymerization was not found to change in any of the explored geometries. These effects are explained by considering the proximity of the components and the potential for screening UV radiation based on their molecular structure.
Dominance, aggression frequencies and modes of aggressive competition in feral pony mares

Abstract Feral pony mares, Equus caballus, at Assateague Island, Maryland, formed linear dominance hierarchies within bands. Generally, older mares dominated younger mares, and larger mares dominated smaller mares. Large mares initiated aggression more often than small mares when age was controlled for but, surprisingly, older mares initiated aggression less often than younger mares when size was controlled for. Thus, mares peak in aggressiveness fairly soon after achieving full size and then, while maintaining or improving their rank in the domainance hierarchy, progressively reduce their involvement in aggression as they grow older, Involvement in aggression per mare increased as number of mares in the group increased; this effect was independent of nearest-mare distances. Frequency of involvement in aggression did not differ between mares that had changed bands within the year and mares whose band association had continued for a year or more. Aggression was directed more frequently than expected at subordinate mares who were nursing, and also occurred more frequently than expected at water holes. The proportion of aggressive encounters during grazing closely matched the total proportion of time spent grazing. Subordinate mares with foals received aggression more often than subordinate mares without foals. The high frequency of aggression associated with foals and nursing suggests that interference with reproduction of subordiantes is an important mode of competition between mares. Such interference may be common in animals that feed on dispersed resources and live in small, cohesive groups.
Placing confidence limits on the molecular age of the human-chimpanzee divergence.

Molecular clocks have been used to date the divergence of humans and chimpanzees for nearly four decades. Nonetheless, this date and its confidence interval remain to be firmly established. In an effort to generate a genomic view of the human–chimpanzee divergence, we have analyzed 167 nuclear protein-coding genes and built a reliable confidence interval around the calculated time by applying a multifactor bootstrap-resampling approach. Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of neutral DNA substitutions show that the human–chimpanzee divergence is close to 20% of the ape–Old World monkey (OWM) divergence. Therefore, the generally accepted range of 23.8–35 millions of years ago for the ape–OWM divergence yields a range of 4.98–7.02 millions of years ago for human–chimpanzee divergence. Thus, the older time estimates for the human–chimpanzee divergence, from molecular and paleontological studies, are unlikely to be correct. For a given the ape–OWM divergence time, the 95% confidence interval of the human–chimpanzee divergence ranges from –12% to 19% of the estimated time. Computer simulations suggest that the 95% confidence intervals obtained by using a multifactor bootstrap-resampling approach contain the true value with >95% probability, whether deviations from the molecular clock are random or correlated among lineages. Analyses revealed that the use of amino acid sequence differences is not optimal for dating human–chimpanzee divergence and that the inclusion of additional genes is unlikely to narrow the confidence interval significantly. We conclude that tests of hypotheses about the timing of human–chimpanzee divergence demand more precise fossil-based calibrations.
Tungsten segregation in α2 + γ titanium aluminides

Atom probe field ion microscopy investigations of α2 + γ Ti-47%Al-2%Cr-l.8%Nb doped with 0.15% B and 0.2% W indicate that the tungsten segregates to both γγ and α2γ interfaces. The interfacial coverage of tungsten at a specific γγ interface was estimated to be 2.3% which yields a segregation enhancement factor of ~ 14. Initial results give no appreciable evidence of boron segregation to interphase interfaces. Interfacial segregation of tungsten supports the previous observation that tungsten additions stabilize the α2 lamellae against dissolution during aging.
Adsorbate Geometry Distinction in Arenethiols by Ion/Surface Reactive Collisions

Reactive scattering of low-energy ions from surfaces gives scattered product ions in which new bonds are formed with the adsorbate with a sensitivity to adsorbate geometry. Reactions of Cr•+ and C5...
Epstein-Barr virus antibodies in patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx and carcinoma of other sites in the head and neck

Abstract Serum antibody titers to Epstein-Barr virus were significantly elevated in a group of twenty-three patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma as compared with eighty-six patients with cancer of other sites in the head and neck and 222 age-matched controls. Our findings in this group of patients support the suggestion of an association between the Epstein-Barr virus and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Investigation of Novel Zap-70 Functionality in T Cell Signaling Pathways using Computational Modeling

Aberrant regulation of cellular processes in immune systems can result in human disease. Therefore, we need a better understanding of the mechanistic principles of biochemical signaling pathways that regulate immune responses. This study investigates a novel functionality of the tyrosine kinase zeta-associated protein Zap-70 in T cell signaling pathways, using the quantitative phosphoproteomics data obtained from our experimental collaborators. The Zap-70 alterations in cellular signaling pathways (loss of its function or expression) can cause an unusual form of severe combined immune deficiency (SCID) that often leads to fatal outcomes. Therefore, the analysis of signaling events using computational modeling and modern proteomics technique (e.g., stable isotopic labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC)) provides a network map of possible molecular targets guiding disease diagnosis. Additionally, this network map presents information about the placement of newly observed phosphorylation sites in T cell signaling pathways across a time course after receptor stimulation. In this study, we tested several computational models of Zap-70 T cell signaling pathways to experiment with different hypotheses. Specifically, we calculated the phosphorylation levels of tyrosine residues of N- and C- terminals of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) for different expression levels of Zap-70 in T cells. We performed fully stochastic signaling simulations using stochastic simulation complier (SSC) developed in our lab and modeling of ordinary differential equations. Subsequently, the sensitivity analysis of deterministic simulations was performed for identifications of key proteins and biochemical reactions in signaling networks that regulate stochastic transitions leading to pathological cellular function. The calculated ITAM phosphorylation levels are well correlated with the corresponding experimental ones. Finally, using our computational modeling, we formulated novel testable hypotheses that can guide future experiments.
Regioselective Substitution Reactions of Sulfur(VI)-Nitrogen-Phosphorus Rings: Reactions of the Halogenated Cyclic Thionylphosphazenes [NSOX(NPCl(2))(2)] (X = Cl or F) with Oxygen-Based Nucleophiles.

The reactions of the cyclic thionylphosphazenes [NSOX(NPCl2)2] (1, X = Cl; 2, X = F) with three oxygen-based nucleophiles of increasing basicity, sodium phenoxide (NaOPh), sodium trifluoroethoxide ...
Temperature-driven transition from the Wigner crystal to the bond-charge-density wave in the quasi-one-dimensional quarter-filled band

It is known that within the interacting electron model Hamiltonian for the one-dimensional $\frac{1}{4}$-filled band, the singlet ground state is a Wigner crystal only if the nearest-neighbor electron-electron repulsion is larger than a critical value. We show that this critical nearest-neighbor Coulomb interaction is different for each spin subspace, with the critical value decreasing with increasing spin. As a consequence, with the lowering of temperature, there can occur a transition from a Wigner crystal charge-ordered state to a spin-Peierls state that is a bond-charge-density wave with charge occupancies different from the Wigner crystal. This transition is possible because spin excitations from the spin-Peierls state in the $\frac{1}{4}$-filled band are necessarily accompanied by changes in site charge densities. We apply our theory to the $\frac{1}{4}$-filled band quasi-one-dimensional organic charge-transfer solids, in general, and to 2:1 tetramethyltetrathiafulvalene (TMTTF) and tetramethyltetraselenafulvalene cationic salts, in particular. We believe that many recent experiments strongly indicate the Wigner crystal to bond-charge-density Wave transition in several members of the TMTTF family. We explain the occurrence of two different antiferromagnetic phases but a single spin-Peierls state in the generic phase diagram for the 2:1 cationic solids. The antiferromagnetic phases can have either the Wigner crystal or the bond-charge-spin-density wave charge occupancies. The spin-Peierls state is always a bond-charge-density wave.
Hierarchical Micellar Structures from Amphiphilic Invertible Polyesters: 1H NMR Spectroscopic Study

The environment-dependent behavior of invertible polyesters has been studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In dilute toluene solutions, the micelle exterior is made up of the lipophilic fragments, and the interior consists of the hydrophilic constituents. The polyester inverts the structure in an aqueous medium to form micelles with a hydrophobic inner part and a hydrophilic outer part. Increasing polyester concentration leads to the formation of hierarchical structures both in toluene and in an aqueous medium as a result of the aggregation of unimolecular micelles and the formation of hydrophilic and lipophilic domains. On the contrary, no unimolecular micelles or micellar aggregation has been observed in acetone or chloroform.