cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Carbon Particles formed from Concentrated Glucose Solutions

Simple glucose solutions were heat treated in an attempt to produce carbon nanodots (CNDTs) with a monodisperse size distribution using a bottom-up approach. Absorption and fluorescence properties of the heat-treated solutions display remarkable similarity to CNDTs reported in the literature. However, particle-sizing and AFM measurements indicate the increasing fluorescence is accompanied by the growth of particles that are larger than most CNDTs discussed in the literature (a concentrated population of monodisperse 30 nm particles and a low concentration of much larger, roughly 500 nm, particles). A dialysis study, shows these larger particles are not responsible for the bulk of the optical properties but, rather the optical properties likely stem from molecular by-products that accompany the heating and caramelization of the sugar.
Outcomes of Anticoagulation Therapy in Adults With Tetralogy of Fallot.

Background Available outcomes data for anticoagulation therapy in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) provide assessment of global risk of this therapy for CHD patients (a heterogeneous popu...
The serotonin-2C agonist Lorcaserin delays intravenous choice and modifies the subjective and cardiovascular effects of cocaine: A randomized, controlled human laboratory study.

Abstract Background Lorcaserin is a modestly selective agonist for 2C serotonin receptors (5-HT2CR) approved for weight-loss therapy. This class can attenuate cue-induced responding and drug taking in preclinical studies, but effects in humans have not been reported. Methods and participants We evaluated effects of single 10 mg doses of lorcaserin on the subjective and reinforcing effects of cocaine, using a randomized, double-blind, within-subject, cross-over design. Male, non-treatment-seeking, regular cocaine users received either single doses of oral placebo (n = 9) or lorcaserin (n = 9), followed by low- or high- doses of intravenous cocaine (0.23 or 0.46 mg/kg-injection). They were then allowed to self-administer the lower dose of cocaine. Results Cocaine was well tolerated after lorcaserin pretreatment. Oral lorcaserin did not modify the number of cocaine injections self-administered. However, it prolonged the time over which participants made intravenous choices relative to the duration of monetary (cash) decisions. Lorcaserin increased ratings of ‘high’ and ‘stimulated’ after low-dose cocaine or vehicle, but decreased craving for cocaine after intravenous vehicle. It also caused small but significant increases in heart rate following noncontingent injections of intravenous placebo or cocaine. When active cocaine was self-administered, lorcaserin decreased heart rate after selection of a monetary choice, but increased it following an intravenous choice. Conclusions Combined treatment with cocaine and lorcaserin was safe in a limited number of subjects, but did not diminish cocaine-motivated behavior or drug-induced ‘high’. Some positive subjective effects of cocaine were enhanced by lorcaserin, and it delayed intravenous choices and decreased craving under some conditions. Effects on heart rate depended on the type of reinforcer being self-administered. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier, NCT02680288 .
Learning Discourse-Level Structures for Question Answering

Traditional parse trees are combined together and enriched with anaphora and rhetoric information to form a unified representation for a paragraph of text. We refer to these representations as parse thickets. They are introduced to support answering complex questions, which include multiple sentences, to tackle as many constraints expressed in this question as possible. The question answering system is designed so that an initial set of answers, which is obtained by a TF*IDF or other keyword search model, is re-ranked. Passage re-ranking is performed using matching of the parse thickets of answers with the parse thicket of the question. To do that, a graph representation and matching technique for parse structures for paragraphs of text have been developed. We define the operation of generalization of two parse thickets as a measure of semantic similarity between paragraphs of text to be the maximal common sub-thicket of these parse thickets.
Effect of scratching frequency on the tribocorrosion resistance of Al-Mn amorphous thin films

Abstract Amorphous metallic thin films show great promise for applications where mechanical and chemical attack coexist due to their excellent wear, corrosion, and tribocorrosion resistance. In this research, the effect of scratching frequency on amorphous Al-Mn thin film were studied in simulated seawater by varying the scratching frequency from 0.05 to 1 Hz in reciprocal motion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were applied to characterize the microstructure before and after tribocorrosion testing. Post-tribocorrosion topography measurement was performed using non-contact optical 3D profilometer. It was found that the total tribocorrosion rate, including both mechanical and chemical wear, increased with increasing scratching frequency. Mechanical wear increased with scratching frequency, mostly related to an increment of coefficient of friction and real contact area. On the other hand, chemical wear tend to increase with scratching frequency, most likely due to faster repassivation kinetics at lower frequency. Cross-sectional TEM analysis shows that the disordered surface layer primarily consists of aluminum oxide where manganese is completely absent.
Short-depth circuits for efficient expectation-value estimation

The evaluation of expectation values $\text{Tr}\left[\ensuremath{\rho}\mathcal{O}\right]$ for some pure state $\ensuremath{\rho}$ and Hermitian operator $\mathcal{O}$ is of central importance in a variety of quantum algorithms. Near-optimal techniques have been developed in the past and require a number of measurements $N$ approaching the Heisenberg limit $N=O\left(1/\ensuremath{\epsilon}\right)$ as a function of target accuracy $\ensuremath{\epsilon}$. The use of quantum phase estimation (QPE) requires, however, long circuit depths $C=O\left(1/\ensuremath{\epsilon}\right)$ making its implementation difficult on near-term noisy devices. The more direct strategy of operator averaging is usually preferred as it can be performed using $N=O\left(1/{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2}\right)$ measurements and no additional gates aside from those needed for the state preparation. In this work we use a simple but realistic model to describe the bound state of a neutron and a proton (the deuteron) to show that the latter strategy can require an overly large number of measurements in order to achieve a prefixed relative target accuracy ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{r}$. We propose to overcome this problem using a single step of QPE and classical postprocessing. This approach leads to a circuit depth $C=O\left({\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{\ensuremath{\mu}}\right)$ (with $\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\ge}0$) and to a number of measurements $N=O\left(1/{\ensuremath{\epsilon}}^{2+\ensuremath{\nu}}\right)$ for $0l\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\le}1$ and a much smaller prefactor. We provide detailed descriptions of two implementations of our strategy for $\ensuremath{\nu}=1$ and $\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\approx}0.5$ and derive appropriate conditions that a particular problem instance has to satisfy in order for our method to provide an advantage.
Activation of HIV-1 pre-mRNA 3' processing in vitro requires both an upstream element and TAR.

Abstract The architecture of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) genome presents an intriguing dilemma for the 3' processing of viral transcripts--to disregard a canonical 'core' poly(A) site processing signal present at the 5' end of the transcript and yet to utilize efficiently an identical signal that resides at the 3' end of the message. The choice of processing sites in HIV-1 appears to be influenced by two factors: (i) proximity to the cap site, and (ii) sequences upstream of the core poly(A) site. We now demonstrate that an in vivo-defined upstream element that resides within the U3 region, 76 nucleotides upstream of the AAUAAA hexamer, acts specifically to enhance 3' processing at the HIV-1 core poly(A) site in vitro. We furthermore show that efficient in vitro 3' processing requires the RNA stem-loop structure of TAR, which serves to juxtapose spatially the upstream element and the core poly(A) site. An analysis of the stability of 3' processing complexes formed at the HIV-1 poly(A) site in vitro suggests that the upstream element may function by increasing processing complex stability at the core poly(A) site.
Bacterial Indicators of Water Quality in Swimming Pools and Their Role

The most significant bacterial indicator of the quality of swimming pool water is the total 35°C agar plate count. Specific bacterial indexes such as Escherichia coli have been used by various agencies, but these indexes are less sensitive than the total 35°C agar plate count. Also, there is no concensus of opinion as to what constitutes acceptable values for these specific indexes. Properly designed, constructed, and operated swimming pools with an adequate level of residual disinfectant can be maintained with total plate counts which are less than 100 colonies/1.0 ml. The bacterial quality of swimming pool water is usually a measure of the adequacy of the disinfecting process. Microbiological examination of samples of swimming pool water for specific genus or species are needed usually only in conjunction with a suspected outbreak of disease among the users of a swimming pool.
Impacts of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Activity on Permafrost Soils at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska

AbstractThe Department of Defense is planning more than $552M in military construction on Eielson Air Force Base (AFB) within the next three fiscal years. Although many studies have been conducted ...
Preexisting influenza specific immunity and vaccine effectiveness.

Introduction: High variance is associated with influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE). Accumulating evidence suggests that preexisting influenza-specific immunity results in the variance in VE and skews overall immune response to vaccination. Nevertheless, the investigation of preexisting immunity is highly limited due to the lack of proper methodology to explore the complex individual immune history.Areas covered: Retrospective observational studies have shown that the preexisting influenza specific immunity influences on VE. To simplify a discussion, we summarized important findings from the observational studies based on the transition of the individual immune history: the first exposure to influenza virus, the first vaccination, and repetitive exposure throughout life. We also discussed the prospectus of pre-immunized animal models to investigate the interaction between preexisting immunity and vaccine efficacy.Expert opinion: A better understanding in the underlying mechanisms on preexisting immunity is critical to improve VE and to help develop novel vaccine strategies. Using animals pre-immunized with historical influenza strains is a promising approach to verify the underlying immunologic mechanism of interaction between preexisting immunity and vaccine antigen. Also, pre-immunized animal models will be better able to evaluate the efficacy of novel vaccine strategies than naive animals.
Phenomic and Physiological Analysis of Salinity Effects on Lettuce.

Salinity is a rising concern in many lettuce-growing regions. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) is sensitive to salinity, which reduces plant biomass, and causes leaf burn and early senescence. We sought to identify physiological traits important in salt tolerance that allows lettuce adaptation to high salinity while maintaining its productivity. Based on previous salinity tolerance studies, one sensitive and one tolerant genotype each was selected from crisphead, butterhead, and romaine, as well as leaf types of cultivated lettuce and its wild relative, L. serriola L. Physiological parameters were measured four weeks after transplanting two-day old seedlings into 350 mL volume pots filled with sand, hydrated with Hoagland nutrient solution and grown in a growth chamber. Salinity treatment consisted of gradually increasing concentrations of NaCl and CaCl2 from 0 mM/0 mM at the time of transplanting, to 30 mM/15 mM at the beginning of week three, and maintaining it until harvest. Across the 10 genotypes, leaf area and fresh weight decreased 0–64% and 16–67%, respectively, under salinity compared to the control. Salinity stress increased the chlorophyll index by 4–26% in the cultivated genotypes, while decreasing it by 5–14% in the two wild accessions. Tolerant lines less affected by elevated salinity were characterized by high values of the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fv/Fm and instantaneous photosystem II quantum yield (QY), and lower leaf transpiration.
E proteins orchestrate dynamic transcriptional cascades to suppress ILC2 differentiation

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors collectively called E proteins powerfully suppress the differentiation of group2 innate lymphoid cells from bone marrow and thymic progenitors. Here we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms using inducible gain and loss of function approaches in ILC2s and their precursors, respectively. Cross-examination of RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing data obtained at different time points reveals a set of genes which are likely direct targets of E proteins. Consequently, a widespread down-regulation of chromatin accessibility occurs at a later time point, possibly due to the activation of transcriptional repressor genes such as Cbfa2t3 and Jdp2. The large number of genes repressed by gain of E protein function leads to the down-regulation of a transcriptional network important for ILC2 differentiation. SummaryDifferentiation of group 2 innate lymphoid cells is forcefully repressed by E protein transcription factors. This report elucidates how E proteins repress a transcriptional network important for ILC2 differentiation by up-regulating the expression of transcriptional repressors.
Identifying common pharmacotherapies associated with reduced COVID-19 morbidity using electronic health records

Abstract Importance Absent a vaccine or any established treatments for the novel and highly infectious coronavirus-19 (COVID-19), rapid efforts to identify potential therapeutics are required. Objective To identify commonly-prescribed medications that may be associated with lesser risk of morbidity with COVID-19 across 5 Eastern Massachusetts hospitals. Design In silico cohort using electronic health records between 7/1/2019 and 4/07/2020. Setting: Outpatient, emergency department and inpatient settings from 2 academic medical centers and 3 community hospitals. Participants All individuals presenting to a clinical site and undergoing COVID-19 testing. Main Outcome or Measure Inpatient hospitalization; documented requirement for mechanical ventilation. Results Among 12,818 individuals with COVID-19 testing results available, 2271 (17.7%) were test-positive, and 707/2271 (31.1%) were hospitalized in one of 5 hospitals. Based on a comparison of ranked electronic prescribing frequencies, medications enriched among test-positive individuals not requiring hospitalization included ibuprofen, valacyclovir, and naproxen. Among individuals who were hospitalized, mechanical ventilation was documented in 213 (30.1%); ibuprofen and naproxen were also more commonly prescribed among individuals not requiring ventilation. Conclusions and Relevance These preliminary findings suggest that electronic health records may be applied to identify medications associated with lower risk of morbidity with COVID-19, but larger cohorts will be required to address confounding by indication. Larger scale efforts at repositioning may help to identify FDA-approved medications meriting study for prevention of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. Funding none. Key Points Question Can electronic health records identify medications that may be associated with diminished risk of COVID-19 morbidity? Findings This cohort study across 5 hospitals identified medications enriched among individuals who did not require hospitalization for COVID-19 despite a positive test. Meaning While preliminary and subject to confounding, our results suggest that electronic health records may complement efforts to identify novel therapeutics for COVID-19 by identifying FDA-approved compounds with potential benefit in reducing COVID-19-associated morbidity.
Chromatography-IR, Methods and Instrumentation

Methods commonly used for combining chromatographic separations with infrared spectrophotometric detection of separated components are described. Interfaces optimized for use with gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, supercritical fluid chromatography, planar chromatography, and capillary electrophoresis are compared. The advantages and disadvantages of online and offline detection methods are discussed along with the mathematical techniques used for chromatogram generation and isolation of separated mixture component spectral features from background interferences.
Exposures in nail salons to trace elements in nail polish from impurities or pigment ingredients - A pilot study.

Abstract Nail polishes have evolved considerably. Toxic elements, such as lead, have been found in nail polish, and it is unclear if new finishes using metallic effect pigments may be contributing to metals exposure in nail technicians. We characterized concentrations of trace elements in 40 nail polishes, 9 technicians' urine, and 20 technicians’ toenail clippings from 8 nail salons in the Boston area in 2017. We also collected 24 salon surface wipes from 3 of the salons. Antimony was not disclosed as a nail polish ingredient, yet concentrations (
Risk factors for fellow eye treatment in protocol T.

To identify risk factors for fellow eye treatment of diabetic retinopathy with Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) injections during the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR.Net) Protocol T trial In this post-hoc analysis of randomized clinical trial data, Cox regression analysis was performed at 52 and 104 weeks to determine risk factors for treatment in 360 fellow eyes. Survival analysis was performed to determine mean time to treatment based upon medication used. Of 360 fellow eyes, 142 (39.4%) required treatment between weeks 4 and 104. Risk factors predicting a lower likelihood of year 1 treatment included older subject age (Hazard Ratio [HR]=0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99; p = 0.02) and higher baseline study eye ETDRS score (HR=0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p = 0.04). Center-involving DME at baseline in the fellow eye was predictive of a higher treatment need at both 52 (HR=1.89, 95% CI 1.42-2.51, p < 0.0001) and 104 weeks (HR=2.68, 95% CI 1.75-4.11, p < 0.0001). Subjects treated in the study eye with aflibercept (HR=0.574, 95% CI 0.371–0.887, p = 0.013) and ranibizumab (HR=0.58, 95%CI 0.36-0.94, p = 0.03) were less likely to require first year fellow eye injection than subjects treated with bevacizumab although this difference was no longer significant at week 104 (aflibercept HR=0.77, 95% CI 0.52–1.16, p = 0.21; ranibizumab HR=0.66, 95% CI 0.43–1.00, p = 0.05). Mean time to treatment was significantly shorter in the bevacizumab group (bevacizumab 25.83 weeks, aflibercept 38.75 weeks, ranibizumab 34.70 weeks (p=0.012)). Bilateral treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections was common during the DRCR.net Protocol T. Medication choice may impact the risk of fellow eye treatment.
Phthalate Exposures in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Background: Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), a phthalate compound found in medical devices, may cause toxic effects in premature infants. In this study, the objective is to quantify DEHP exposures from various intravenous and respiratory therapy devices, and to use these values to predict typical exposure for an infant in a neonatal unit. Methods: Common IV products used on infants are directed through various types of IV tubing (IVT) and analyzed for DEHP content. DEHP exposure for infants receiving respiratory therapy was determined indirectly through analysis of urine DEHP metabolites. By deriving these values for DEHP we calculated the daily exposure to DEHP from common IV fluids (IVF) and respiratory devices during hospitalization in a neonatal unit. Results: IVF labeled DEHP-positive showed very high concentrations of DEHP, but when passed through IVT, substantial amounts were adsorbed. DEHP was undetectable with all DEHP-negative IVF tests, except when passed through DEHP-positive IVT. The DEHP leached from most respiratory devices was relatively modest, except that detected from bubble CPAP. In 14 very low birthweight infants, the mean DEHP exposure was 182,369 mcg/kg over 81.2 days of the initial hospitalization. Ninety-eight percent of the exposure was from respiratory devices, with bubble CPAP accounting for 95% of the total DEHP exposure in these infants. Conclusions: The DEHP exposure in our neonatal unit can be reduced markedly by avoiding or modifying bubble CPAP equipment and avoiding IV tubing containing DEHP.
Yo GABA GABA! A neurotransmitter interrupts DC-NK crosstalk

Toxoplasma gondii augments NK cell GABA production resulting in decreased cytotoxic function. Solid arrows represent relationships supported by experimental evidence, and dashed arrows represent hypothesized relationships. T. gondii tachyzoites inject rhoptry proteins (ROPs) into the NK cell, either during cell invasion or without invasion via a "kiss and spit" strategy. Infection of the NK cell increases expression of GAD67, a key GABA synthesis enzyme, via hypothesized action of rhoptry proteins present in the cytosol or on the surface of the parasitophorous vacuole. GABA is released by infected NK cells and DC into the extracellular environment via the sodium-cotransporter GAT2, where it binds to receptors expressed by both cell types. This action results in decreased cytotoxic function in NK and increased migratory activity in DC via unknown mechanisms.
D-MANOVA: fast distance-based multivariate analysis of variance for large-scale microbiome association studies.

Summary PERMANOVA (permutational multivariate analysis of variance based on distances) has been widely used for testing the association between the microbiome and a covariate of interest. Statistical significance is established by permutation, which is computationally intensive for large sample sizes. As large-scale microbiome studies such as American Gut Project (AGP) become increasingly popular, a computationally efficient version of PERMANOVA is much needed. To achieve this end, we derive the asymptotic distribution of the PERMANOVA pseudo-F statistic and provide analytical p-value calculation based on chi-square approximation. We show that the asymptotic p-value is close to the PERMANOVA p-value even under a moderate sample size. Moreover, it is more accurate and an order-of-magnitude faster than the permutation-free method MDMR. We demonstrated the use of our procedure D-MANOVA on the AGP dataset. Availability D-MANOVA is implemented by the dmanova function in the CRAN package GUniFrac. Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Mind the gap: How incomplete explanations influence children's interest and learning behaviors.

Abstract Children rely on others’ explanations to learn scientific concepts, yet sometimes the explanations they receive are incomplete. Three studies explore how receiving incomplete or complete explanations influences children’s subsequent interest and engagement in learning behaviors to obtain additional information about a topic. Children ages 7–10 (N = 275; 49% female, 51% male; 55% white) viewed question-and-answer exchanges about animal behaviors that included either a complete causal explanation of the behavior or an explanation that was missing a key step. Children rated how knowledgeable they felt after hearing the explanation (Study 1) or how much information was missing from the explanation (Studies 2 and 3) and reported how interested they were in learning more about the topic. They also completed two measures of learning behaviors: a book choice task (all studies) and a card choice task (Studies 1 and 2). In the book choice task, children opted to learn about the topics of the incomplete explanations more frequently than the topics of the complete explanations. However, there was no evidence of selective learning behaviors in the card choice task and children’s self-reported interest in learning more about each animal behavior was not directly related to the type of explanation they had received. Individual differences in children’s interest and learning behaviors were linked to verbal intelligence and domain-specific biological knowledge. Implications for the information-gap theory of learning and children’s learning in multiple contexts are discussed.
Pentiptycene-based ladder polymers with configurational free volume for enhanced gas separation performance and physical aging resistance.

Polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs) have shown promise in pushing the limits of gas separation membranes, recently redefining upper bounds for a variety of gas pair separations. However, many of these membranes still suffer from reductions in permeability over time, removing the primary advantage of this class of polymer. In this work, a series of pentiptycene-based PIMs incorporated into copolymers with PIM-1 are examined to identify fundamental structure–property relationships between the configuration of the pentiptycene backbone and its accompanying linear or branched substituent group. The incorporation of pentiptycene provides a route to instill a more permanent, configuration-based free volume, resistant to physical aging via traditional collapse of conformation-based free volume. PPIM-ip-C and PPIM-np-S, copolymers with C- and S-shape backbones and branched isopropoxy and linear n-propoxy substituent groups, respectively, each exhibited initial separation performance enhancements relative to PIM-1. Additionally, aging-enhanced gas permeabilities were observed, a stark departure from the typical permeability losses pure PIM-1 experiences with aging. Mixed-gas separation data showed enhanced CO2/CH4 selectivity relative to the pure-gas permeation results, with only ∼20% decreases in selectivity when moving from a CO2 partial pressure of ∼2.4 to ∼7.1 atm (atmospheric pressure) when utilizing a mixed-gas CO2/CH4 feed stream. These results highlight the potential of pentiptycene’s intrinsic, configurational free volume for simultaneously delivering size-sieving above the 2008 upper bound, along with exceptional resistance to physical aging that often plagues high free volume PIMs.
Interactive Videodiscs: A Linkage Tool for Social Work Education.

Abstract The merging of videodiscs and computers now makes possible a variety of exciting instructional strategies in education. This article highlights the ways in which videodiscs can be utilized to individualize the pace of student learning and to enhance the transfer of new learning from the classroom to beginning professional encounters. Ranging from concept learning to simulations of client-worker interactions, the application of videodisc technology to classroom instruction enables the blending of theory and practice so valued by social work educators.
Comparison of length scale estimates for a sudden expansion flow estimated from spatial and auto correlation LDV measurements

Two-point velocity correlation measurements were made in the anisotropic flow field of an axisymmetric sudden expansion using two single component LDV systems. The integral length scales and Taylor microscales were estimated and compared with those obtained from auto correlation measurements in conjunction with Taylor's hypothesis. The agreement of the integral scales was within 20% and the values scale well with the flow geometry, while the agreement of the microscales was within 43%.
Isolation and characterization of the lipids of the sea anemone, Metridium senile

Abstract 1. 1. The total lipid content of the East Coast sea anemone Metridium senile has been studied in detail and found to be composed primarily of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and cholesterol with a small amount of phosphatidyl serine and other minor components. 2. 2. The ninhydrin positive sphingolipid ceramide aminoethylphosphonate has been isolated from an ether extract of the ethanol soluble fraction of M. senile. The compound 2-aminoethylphosphonic acid has also been identified as the acid hydrolysis product of a highly polar phospholipid from the anemone. 3. 3. The major fatty acids of M. Senile were found to be palmitic (16:0), stearic (18:0) and oleic (18:1) acids, with some eicosapentaenoic (20:5), arachidonic (22:4) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6). Long chain saturated fatty acids were found to dominate the fatty acid moiety of the organism.
Steering sheep: How expressed emotional ambivalence elicits dominance in interdependent decision making contexts

This research proposes that expressed emotional ambivalence elicits greater dominance in observers than expressed happiness or anger because ambivalence conveys deliberation and therefore submissiveness. Four laboratory studies yielded convergent findings across different measures of dominance and manipulations of emotional expressions (videos and vignettes). Study 1 showed that participants can identify the expression of tension and conflict as ambivalence and can reliably distinguish ambivalence expressions from the expression of a related emotion (sadness), as well as unrelated emotions (happiness and anger). Study 2 showed that participants intended to dominate the ambivalent partner significantly more than the happy, angry, or non-emotional partner. Study 3 provides evidence that negotiators dominated the ambivalent partner because they perceived the ambivalent partner as more deliberative, and thus submissive. Study 4 confirmed – using a different manipulation of ambivalence – that expressed ambivalence leads to perceived submissiveness because it suggests greater deliberation.
It time for yet another tool to evaluate gastrointestinal bleeding

Authors compared the contrast-enhanced 3D MRI to scintigraphy for their abilities to detect and localize gastrointestinal hemorrhage in pigs in vivo. Intraluminal bleeding sites were created surgically in six pigs and maintained with intravenous heparin while scintigraphy followed by 3D MRI with contrast was performed. The investigators used NC 100150 as the MRI contrast. This colloidal preparation of ultra small super paramagnetic iron oxide crystals coated with oxidized starch has a dose-dependent vascular half-life of 3 to 4 h. MRI technique involved multiphase gradient recalled echo (GRE) localizing images. Images were performed at 5-min intervals for 30 min following injection of the contrast. For scintigraphy, three planar images were performed initially at 5-min intervals over first 45 min as well as for delayed scans following MRI. SPECT imaging was done at 45 min and at the end of delayed scan. The radiologists were blinded as to the location and number of bleeding sites created. The six pigs were then sacrificed, and macropathology was assessed and used as a gold standard reference. Scintigraphy was incorrect in 19% all segments resulting in 78% sensitivity and 72% specificity. On the other hand, the MRI correctly characterized all the segments (bleeding and nonbleeding) resulting in a 100% sensitivity and specificity. There were also differences in the binomial receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves for the MRI and scintigraphy (0.99 vs 0.85). This reflected differences in not only the diagnostic accuracy but also diagnostic confidence. The authors concluded that the 3D MRI in conjunction with intravascular contrast agent is an accurate method of detection and localization of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Convergence of Lewy bodies and neurofibrillary tangles in amygdala neurons of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body disorders

Amygdalae of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease, Down’s syndrome, diffuse Lewy body disease or a combination of these diseases were probed with antibodies to neurofilament proteins as well as with Lewy body (LB)- and paired helical filament-specific antibodies. The results indicate that the amygdala is severely affected by the accumulation of both neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and LBs in most cases of the diseases mentioned above, and that amygdala LBs have a similar epitope composition to that of LBs in the brain stem and cerebral cortex. While large numbers of both LBs and NFTs were seen in different neurons within the amygdala, these two lesions frequently occurred together in the same neurons of the amygdala. These findings are in contrast to other sites that accumulate LBs and NFTs, but rarely both lesions in the same neuron. Thus, amygdala neurons may be selectively vulnerable to developing both LBs and NFTs, and these inclusions may play a role in the massive degeneration of these neurons in AD and LB disorders of the elderly.
The Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) 1 and SOCS3 but Not SOCS2 Proteins Inhibit Interferon-mediated Antiviral and Antiproliferative Activities

The suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are a family of cytokine-inducible negative regulators of cytokine signaling. Interferon (IFN)-γ treatment induces the expression of SOCS1, SOCS2, and SOCS3 mRNAs. To examine the effect of SOCS proteins on IFN-mediated Janus-activated kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signaling, HeLa- and MCF-7-derived stable cell lines expressing SOCS1, SOCS2, and SOCS3 proteins were established. SOCS1 and SOCS3 but not SOCS2 inhibited the tyrosine phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT1 in response to IFN stimulation. The IFN-mediated antiviral and antiproliferative activities were consistently blocked by the constitutive expression of SOCS1 and SOCS3 but not SOCS2 proteins. The maximum inhibitory activities of SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins toward the activation of STAT1 were observed at very low levels of SOCS protein expression. In addition, SOCS1 exhibited a much stronger inhibitory activity toward the activation of STAT1 than did SOCS3. These results suggest that SOCS1 and SOCS3 but not SOCS2 are inhibitors of IFN-mediated Janus-activated kinase/STAT signaling pathways.
Analysis of the Rolling Contact Residual Stresses and Cyclic Plastic Deformation of SAE 52100 Steel Ball Bearings

Analyse des contraintes residuelles dans les contacts roulants et des deformations plastiques cycliques dans des roulements a billes en acier SAE 52100 (Society of automotive engineers)
Technology prospecting: lessons from the early history of the Chile Foundation

Fundacion Chile (FCh) has facilitated the processes of technology transfer, upgrading, adaptation and diffusion necessary to diversify Chile's natural resources and establish and maintain competitiveness in the world market. This paper explores the origins, impact and development of FCh in its early years, specifically focusing on its adaptive technology transfer process and indigenous capacity development in the Pacific salmon industry. We conclude the paper with policy and institutional options for developing economies based on lessons learned from FCh. FCh's concept of 'technology prospecting' can enable developing countries to use existing technical knowledge for economic development.
Specific and intraspecific molecular typing of lactococci based on polymorphism of DNA encoding rRNA.

U.M. RODRIGUES, M. AGUIRRE, R.R. FACKLAM AND M.D. COLLINS. 1991. The rRNA gene restriction patterns or species of the genus Lactococcus were determined. Chromosomal DNA was digested with endonucleases and probed with radiolabelled DNA complementary to rRNA synthesized by random oligonucleotide priming using reverse transcriptase. Highly discriminatory restriction patterns were obtained which served to distinguish the five currently recognized lactococcal species. In addition the observed variations in the patterns at intra-specific level indicate that rRNA gene restriction fingerprinting may be of value in distinguishing the individual strains for epidemiological studies, and monitoring and checking authenticity of starter strains.
An old galaxy in a young Universe

A mature galaxy has been discovered in an early phase of the Universe apparently too young to contain it. Is this the end of the theorists' favourite cosmology, the Einstein–de Sitter model?
Metal-Organic Frameworks with Direct Transition Metal-Sulfonate Interactions and Charge-Assisted Hydrogen Bonds

Seven compounds with framework structures made of divalent metal-imidazole (Im) complexes (M(II) = Co, Ni, and Mn) linked by 1,5-napthalenedisulfonate (1,5nds) were synthesized and structurally characterized. Five of these compounds, Mn(Im)4(1,5nds) (two forms), Co(Im)4(1,5nds) (two forms), and Ni(Im)4(1,5nds), contain direct sulfonate-metal coordination and represent the first such compounds with open d-shell transition metals without Jahn−Teller distortion. The two disulfonate ligands in these octahedrally coordinated metal centers are found in both trans- and cis-geometries and link the centers into chains. The chains are held together by charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between sulfonate and imidazole ligands from different chains. The remaining two compounds, Co(Im)6(1,5nds)·2H2O and Ni(Im)6(1,5nds)·2H2O, exhibit only charge-assisted hydrogen bonds between the octahedral M(Im)62+ cations and the disulfonate anions.
High-latitude radiation and resonant enhancements of the Jovian synchrotron emissions

Abstract A model describing (1) short time scale increases in Jovian synchrotron radiation and (2) emissions from high Jovian latitudes is presented. In the present model resonant interaction between oblique whistler waves and relativistic electrons diffuses the energy and the pitch angle of electrons which bounce along the Jovian magnetic field. The resonant interaction violates the first two adiabatic invariants and the energy diffusion results in hardening of the electron spectrum and in intensification of the synchrotron radiation. This model complements the radial diffusion process which (a) violates the third adiabatic invariant of a seed population via interaction with low-frequency magnetospheric oscillations and (b) increases the flux of energetic electrons at low L -shells over long time scales by conserving the first adiabatic invariant. The high-latitude emissions indicate also acceleration of bouncing electrons and radiation in the region of the strongest magnetic field. The seed particles and whistler waves determine the form of the electron distribution tail. This tail enhances the high-latitude synchrotron radiation observed at Earth. The resulting emissivities of the nonthermal radio waves in the ordinary/extraordinary modes of propagation, the polarization and the intensity spectrum observed at Earth due to these high-energy populations are calculated.
In vitro studies of the impact of transfusion on the detection of alloantibodies after autoadsorption.

BACKGROUND: In a patient with warm autoantibodies who has recently received a transfusion, it is not recommended to perform adsorptions using autologous RBCs to detect alloantibodies. Although not scientifically documented, this position is based on the theory that transfused RBCs in the patient′s circulation would be capable of adsorbing alloantibodies that may be present. This in vitro study was designed to determine what percentage of transfused RBCs might completely remove alloantibodies in vivo. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Selected D, E, K, Fya, and Jka antibodies were adsorbed with mixtures of antigen-positive and antigen-negative RBCs to determine the lowest concentration of antigen-positive RBCs capable of removing all alloantibody reactivity. The percentage of antigen-positive RBCs in each mixture was determined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Small amounts of antigen-positive RBCs (2-6%, as determined by flow cytometry) completely removed anti-D, -E, and -Fya reactivity. Reactivity of two examples of anti-K was removed by 11 percent and 17 percent of K+ RBCs, respectively. Anti-Jka reactivity was completely removed by 4 to 5 percent Jk(a+) RBCs using a PEG adsorption; the endpoint (>11%) was estimated, but complete adsorption with ZZAP-treated RBCs was not performed. CONCLUSION: Small amounts of antigen-positive RBCs are generally capable of removing all alloantibody reactivity. Thus, waiting for 3 months after transfusion before performing autologous adsorptions is a prudent policy.
The Kuznets-Lewis process within the context of race and class in the U.S. economy

The Kuznets-Lewis process is a synthesis of Kuznets's inverted U-hypothesis and Lewis's sectoral terms of trade thesis. Thus, synthesis seeks to explain thePGNP inequality implications for the development transition, e.g., from manufacturing to services. This paper extends this theoretical synthesis a step further by incorporating both racial and class considerations. The paper's empirical findings indicate the transition from manufacturing to services in the U.S. has caused both aggregate class and within-race class inequality to increase. Although the income disparity across races is narrowing within the upper and middle classes, the income disparity within the lower class is, indeed, widening. This latter finding points to a widening of the racial income disparity given the economy's transition from a manufacturing to service sector emphasis.
Prevalence of Obesity Bias in Dietetic Students

Abstract LEARNING OUTCOME : To examine dietetic and other human sciences students perception of personal traits as influenced by weight. There is some evidence that physicians and nurses are biased against obese patients and that the expression of this negativity has the potential to impact quality of patient care. A likert type attitude assessment scale of personal traits was administered to 170 female students in College of Human Sciences (HS) including 38 dietetics majors (DM). Students were asked to rank 18 personal traits based on their view of female figures designed to look thin, normal, obese, or morbidly obese with regard to weight. A higher ranking value indicated a more negative perception regarding the trait. The sum of ranking means for personal traits were as follows by the HS students: thin 24.2, normal 21.9, obese 30.9, and morbidly obese 39.6; and by the DS: thin 27.5, normal 17.1, obese 30.8, and morbidly obese 39.4. Values for the thin, obese, and morbidly obese figures were significantly different(P
Role of cytochrome P450 2E1 in the metabolism of acrylamide and acrylonitrile in mice.

Acrylonitrile (AN) and acrylamide (AM) are commonly used in the synthesis of plastics and polymers. In rodents, AM and AN are metabolized to the epoxides glycidamide and cyanoethylene oxide, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine the role of cytochrome P450 in the metabolism of AM and AN in vivo. Wild-type (WT) mice, WT mice pretreated with aminobenzotriazole (ABT, 50 mg/kg ip, 2 h pre-exposure), and mice devoid of cytochrome P450 2E1 (P450 2E1-null) were treated with 50 mg/kg [13C]AM po. WT mice and P450 2E1-null mice were treated with 2.5 or 10 mg/kg [13C]AN po. Urine was collected for 24 h, and metabolites were characterized using 13C NMR. WT mice excreted metabolites derived from the epoxides and from direct GSH conjugation with AM or AN. Only metabolites derived from direct GSH conjugation with AM or AN were observed in the urine from ABT-pretreated WT mice and P450 2E1-null mice. On the basis of evaluation of urinary metabolites at these doses, these data suggest that P450 2E1 is possi...
Drosophila melanogaster Topoisomerase IIIα Preferentially Relaxes a Positively or Negatively Supercoiled Bubble Substrate and Is Essential during Development

Eukaryotic type IA topoisomerases are important for the normal function of the cell, and in some cases essential for the organism, although their role in DNA metabolism remains to be elucidated. In this study, we cloned Drosophila melanogaster topoisomerase (topo) IIIα from an embryonic cDNA library and expressed and purified the protein to >95% homogeneity. This enzyme partially relaxes a hypernegatively supercoiled plasmid substrate consistent with other purified topo IIIs. A novel, covalently closed bubble substrate was prepared for this study, which topo IIIα fully relaxed, regardless of the handedness of the supercoils. Experiments with the bubble substrate demonstrate that topo IIIα has much different reaction preferences from those obtained by plasmid substrate-based assays. This is presumably due to the fact that solution conditions can affect the structure of plasmid based substrates and therefore their suitability as a substrate. A mutant allele of the Top3α gene, Top3α191, was isolated through imprecise excision mutagenesis of an existing P-element inserted in the first intron of the gene. Top3α191 is recessive lethal, with most of the homozygous individuals surviving to pupation but never emerging to adulthood. Whereas this mutation can be rescued by a Top3α transgene, ubiquitous overexpression of D. melanogaster topo IIIβ cannot rescue this allele.
Advanced oxidation protein products: a causative link between oxidative stress and podocyte depletion

Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), a protein biomarker of increased oxidative stress, are elevated in uremic patients. Zhou et al. demonstrate that chronic administration of AOPPs induces podocyte apoptosis and proteinuria in normal rats via a cascade of signaling events. This study for the first time establishes a causative link between oxidative stress and podocyte depletion and could have broad implications in our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of proteinuria.
Glycolipids are not extracted from phospholipid bilayers by binding to ferritin-lectin conjugates

Abstract A radioactively-labelled glycosphingolipid, asialo-GM1, has been incorporated into phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles. After incubation with ferritin-Ricinus communis agglutinin 60 (RCA 60) conjugate at different temperatures, the vesicles were separated from the conjugate by discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation. Measurement of the distribution of the radioactively-labelled asialo-GM1 in the pelleted conjugate fraction and freeze-etch electron microscopy of the vesicle fraction indicate that the decrease in labelling of asialo-G M 1 -containing vesicles by ferritin-RCA 60 conjugate with increasing temperatures (Tillack, T.W., Wong, M., Allietta, M. and Thompson, T.E. (1982) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 691, 261–273) reflects a decrease in apparent binding affinity rather than an ability of the conjugate to extract glycolipid from the phospholipid bilayer after binding.
Imaging of carotid artery dissection

A32-year-old woman presented to the emergency room complaining of a headache and blurred vision in her left eye. Two weeks before presentation she felt ‘sinus pressure’ and heard a swishing sound in her left ear associated with pain and tightness on the left side of her head, face, and neck, most prominent at the angle of the jaw. She sought emergent attention when she felt a ‘gritty sensation’ in her left eye and noted that her left eyelid was red and droopy. On evaluation vitals were normal. Her forehead showed no vasomotor or sudomotor changes. She had an injected left conjunctiva with miotic pupil (left 3 mm, right 5 mm) which was reactive to light and accommodation. Corneal fluorescein uptake and fundoscopic exam were normal. Vision was 20/20 in both eyes. Extraocular movements were normal, but the patient complained of pain in the left eye. The higher cortical, other cranial nerve, motor, sensory, and cerebellar functions were normal. Imaging studies showed a left internal carotid artery dissection extending up to the base of the skull. (Published: 16 July 2012) Citation: Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives 2012, 2 : 18645 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/jchimp.v2i2.18645