cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationships between type I and II estradiol binding sites and estrogen induced responses

Abstract Target tissues that grow in response to estrogenic stimulation contain cstrogen receptors and Type II estrogen specific binding sites. Type II sites are found in the cytosol and nuclear fractions of rat uteri and are elevated in the nuclear fraction by estrogen treatment. This increase in the number of nuclear Type II sites does not appear to result from nuclear translocation from the cytoplasm. The stimulation of nuclear Type II sites can be inhibited by progesterone and dexamethasone, and this inhibition is correlated with an inhibition of uterine growth. These nuclear sites are also elevated in cell types of the uterus that grow in response to various kinds of estrogen agonists and antagonists, and are not elevated in cell types which do not grow. We conclude that nuclear Type II sites are important components of the response pathways which are involved in uterine growth.
Assignment of the lowest triplet state of benzene using phosphorescence-microwave double resonance (PMDR) techniques

Abstract Phosphorescence-microwave double resonance (PMDR) techniques are used and the zero-field (zf) origin of the 0, 0 band of the phosphorescence of benzene-h6 in benzene-d6 at 1.6°K is determined to be the τy level. This is consistent with a 3B1u assignment for a distorted D2h benzene in its triplet state and contradicts a recently suggested 3B2u assignment.
Short-term impacts of elevated UV-B radiation on soybeans

The impact of increased solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure due to stratospheric ozone depletion can negatively affect plant growth and physiology, decreasing crop productivity. While some effects of prolonged elevated UV-B exposure on plants is clear, relatively little is known about the short-term effects of UV-B exposure, although, there are evidence of short-term UV-B increases that likely occur during summer. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to examine the short-term effects of UV-B exposure on stomatal conductance ( g s), UV-B absorbing compounds and photosynthetic pigment concentrations of soybean cultivars Glycine max [L.] Merr. cvs. Essex and Williams 82. Results showed that changes in leaf reflectance at 552 and 714 nm with UV exposure appear to be linked to UV-B induced alterations in pigment concentrations and the changes in reflectance seemed to be more dependent on the period of exposure rather than the UV-B dosage received. The UV-B exposed Williams 82 exhibited lower g s compared to UV-B exposed Essex throughout the experiment. The concentrations of carotenoids, chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll in leaf extracts were unchanged in response to an 18-h UV-B treatment in Essex but they increased significantly in Williams 82. Anthocyanin did not change significantly in either cultivar after the 18-h exposure. The 18-h UV exposure did result in substantially higher of UV-B absorbing compounds in Essex compared to Williams 82. Results of a 6-h UV-B exposure caused an induction of Chlorophyll a/b binding protein (CAB) and Phenyl ammonia lyase (PAL) in the irradiated leaves of Williams 82 and Essex and an up regulation in Chalcone synthase (CHS) in Williams but not in Essex. Further work should assess whether these short-term responses are related to the long-term UV-B mechanisms of damage and protection in soybeans and examine how the induction of genes are related to sensitivity of soybeans to UV-B stress.
Serum and glomerular IgG in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis are correlated.

Among 75 patients hospitalized for poststreptococcal acute glomerulonephritis, 33 (44%) had an elevated serum level of IgG. The IgA level was elevated in 11 of 39 patients (28%). Paradoxically, of 20 biopsied patients with elevated IgG levels, IgG was absent from the glomerular deposits in 11, while of 23 with normal IgG levels, IgG was absent from the glomerular deposits in only 2 (P <0.001). Also, patients with an elevated level more frequently had antistreptolysin O titers ≥833 Todd units (P <0.001). Elevated IgG did not correlate with severity of disease, with age of the patient, or with the serum albumin or C3 level. There appears to be a subset of patients with elevated serum IgG levels who with high frequency have IgG absent from their glomerular deposits. Thus, failure to form antibody to a glomerular-bound protein produced by the nephritogenic streptococcus, widely assumed to be the origin of the IgG in the glomerular deposits, is in some way significantly associated with elevated serum levels of IgG and of antibody to streptolysin O.
Impulsitivity, caffeine, and task difficulty: A within-subjects test of the Yerkes-Dodson law

According to the Yerkes-Dodson law, performance is an inverted-U function of arousal with a negative relationship between optimal arousal and task difficulty. Both easy (letter cancellation) and difficult (verbal abilities) tasks were completed during the morning by 100 subjects differing in impulsivity; each subject was tested with five different doses of caffeine. Data were subjected to a traditional analysis of variance; in addition, data from individual subjects were analyzed. Group-level results indicated that performance was an interactive function of task, caffeine, and impulsivity (P<0.05): As predicted by the Yerkes-Dodson law, performance on the easy task tended to improve as caffeine dosage increased, but on the difficult task, (less aroused) impulsive subjects improved while (more aroused) nonimpulsive subjects first improved and then deteriorated. Moreover, analyses of the performance of individual subjects strongly supported the inverted-U hypothesis (P<0.001). The hypothesis that easier tasks require higher levels of arousal for optimal performance than more difficult tasks received limited support at the individual level. Thus, despite methodological and probabilistic biases against the inverted-U and task-difficulty hypotheses, both group and individual level analyses yielded results consistent with the Yerkes-Dodson law.
Degree of dysplasia following diagnosis of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance is influenced by patient history and type of follow-up.

Previous studies have shown that atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) are a predictor of higher grade lesions when patients are followed up by biopsy. The purpose of this study was to examine follow-up on all patients with ASCUS to determine if the prediction of higher grade lesions seen in association with ASCUS is a function of bias in selection of patients for biopsy. The diagnosis of ASCUS, based on Bethesda System criteria, was made on 235 cases between June 1993 and December 1994 (2% of the total cases at Yale-New Haven clinics). Of these cases, 36 were biopsied and 94 were followed by cervical/vaginal smears (CVS). As has been seen in other retrospective studies, we found that 55% (20 of 36) biopsied after ASCUS on CVS showed condyloma or dysplasia. In cases with CVS follow-up instead of biopsy, only 26% (25 of 94) had significant lesions. We find that if ASCUS is evaluated by biopsy, the prediction for higher grade lesions is roughly twice that predicted by follow-up CVS. We propose that nonstandardized management by gynecologists results, in many instances, in selection of patients with significant past history for biopsy. Consequently, the current literature finding of ASCUS as predictor of higher grade lesions should be reanalyzed, taking into account other parameters (past history, age, etc.) in the process of defining the clinical and biological implications of the ASCUS diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 17:14–19, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Characterization of DNA Damage-stimulated Self-interaction ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae Checkpoint Protein Rad17p

Saccharomyces cerevisiae Rad17p is necessary for cell cycle checkpoint arrests in response to DNA damage. Its known interactions with the checkpoint proteins Mec3p and Ddc1p in a PCNA-like complex indicate a sensor role in damage recognition. In a novel application of the yeast two-hybrid system and by immunoprecipitation, we show here that Rad17p is capable of increased self-interaction following DNA damage introduced by 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide, camptothecin or partial inactivation of DNA ligase I. Despite overlap of regions required for Rad17p interactions with Rad17p or Mec3p, single amino acid substitutions revealed that Rad17p·Rad17p complex formation is independent of Mec3p. E128K (rad17-1) was found to inhibit Rad17p interaction with Mec3p but not with Rad17p. On the other hand, Phe-121 is essential for Rad17p self-interaction, and its function in checkpoint arrest but not for Mec3p interaction. These differential effects indicate that Rad17p-Rad17p interaction plays a role that is independent of the Rad17p·Mec3p·Ddc1p complex, although our results are also compatible with Rad17p-mediated supercomplex formation of the Rad17p·Mec3p·Ddc1p heterotrimer in response to DNA damage.
Location and orientation estimation with an electrosense robot

We have designed an underwater robot that uses perturbations of an emitted electric field to sense, localize, and map its environment. This system is inspired by weakly electric fish, which emit an electric field to sense objects, localize prey, and communicate. When nearby objects distort the electric field, electroreceptors (fish) or voltage sensors (robot) detect these perturbations. Further analysis of the perturbations can reveal information about the associated target, such as size, shape, and distance. One difficulty with extracting distance-to-target for our robotic electrosense platform is that the measurements are dependent on orientation of the robot with respect to the object. We solve this problem by applying techniques from range-only SLAM, with modifications for some of the ways in which electrosense differs from the sensors typically used. We use two different Bayesian filters to estimate the orientation and position separately. Using this approach, we show that our electrosense robot can accurately localize and orient itself, and improve its estimate of position and orientation using motion.
Home and workplace built environment supports for physical activity.

Background Physical inactivity has been associated with obesity and related chronic diseases. Understanding built environment (BE) influences on specific domains of physical activity (PA) around homes and workplaces is important for public health interventions to increase population PA. Purpose To examine the association of home and workplace BE features with PA occurring across specific life domains (work, leisure, and travel). Methods Between 2012 and 2013, telephone interviews were conducted with participants in four Missouri metropolitan areas. Questions included sociodemographic characteristics, home and workplace supports for PA, and dietary behaviors. Data analysis was conducted in 2013; logistic regression was used to examine associations between BE features and domain-specific PA. Results In home neighborhoods, seven of 12 BE features (availability of fruits and vegetables, presence of shops and stores, bike facilities, recreation facilities, crime rate, seeing others active, and interesting things) were associated with leisure PA. The global average score of home neighborhood BE features was associated with greater odds of travel PA (AOR=1.99, 95% CI=1.46, 2.72); leisure PA (AOR=1.84, 95% CI=1.44, 2.34); and total PA (AOR=1.41, 95% CI=1.04, 1.92). Associations between workplace neighborhoods' BE features and workplace PA were small but in the expected direction. Conclusions This study offers empirical evidence on BE supports for domain-specific PA. Findings suggest that diverse, attractive, and walkable neighborhoods around workplaces support walking, bicycling, and use of public transit. Public health practitioners, researchers, and worksite leaders could benefit by utilizing worksite domains and measures from this study for future BE assessments.
Heterograft valve implant in tetralogy with absent pulmonary valve.

Abstract Absence of the pulmonary valve may occur in isolation but more frequently is seen with tetralogy of Fallot. This pulmonary valve abnormality is more severe when it occurs with tetralogy of Fallot than when it occurs as an isolated lesion. The valve annulus in these patients is narrow, requiring reconstruction of the outflow tract. Simple closure of ventricular septal defect and relief of the pulmonic stenosis do not halt the progression of the pulmonary artery aneurysm; to achieve this, a functioning pulmonary valve is necessary. Tetralogy of Fallot with an absent pulmonary valve was corrected in a patient using a formalin-preserved porcine heterograft. The reason for this treatment is discussed.
Anion dependent self-assembly of luminescent Zn–Ln (Eu and Tb) salen complexes

Abstract Four Zn-Ln salen complexes are formed with the Schiff base ligand bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)ethylene-1,2-phenylenediamine (H2L). The complexes are trinuclear [LnZn2L2(OAc)2]·CF3SO3·Et2O (Ln = Eu (1) and Tb (2)), and dinuclear [EuZnL(OAc)(NO3)2MeOH] (3) and [TbZnL(OAc)2(NO3)] (4). The structures of 1–4 were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallographic studies and the respective luminescence properties in MeCN solution were determined.
Hall coefficient of a pinned 2D electron lattice

Abstract We argued that for transport due to dislocation pairs the ratio of the Hall resistivity to its classical value is given by ϱxy/ϱxy0 = 1/(1 + x), x = πϵ0ω02mLy/ene 1n (Ly/a) where ϵ0 is the permeability of the vacuum, Ly in units of meter is the transverse dimension of the sample, ω0 is the average pinning frequency due to impurities, ne is the density of the electrons. Taking an experimental estimate of the pinning frequency of 1 GHz, x ≈ 10−18. Thus the Hall coefficient is very close to the classical value. The lomgitudinal resistivity is activated in character but the Hall coefficient is not. This is observed experimentally. On the other hand, if transport were dominated by other “isotropic” defects such as vacancies, the Hall resistivity would also be of activated character.
The effect of substrate and of skin color on thermoregulation of a lizard

Abstract 1. 1. Liolaemus multiformis basks on insulating substrates instead of on rock and thereby warms about 0.6°C/min faster. 2. 2. Natural blanching of skin as Tb rises increases reflectance of red light by about 0.8% per °C Tb. 3. 3. Basking lizards sprayed with silver paint warmed almost as much and almost as fast as normal and as black lizards. Silver paint reduces absorption of visible and near i.r. energy but reduces re-radiation of thermal energy by a compensating amount.
Interpersonal and intrapersonal links to body appreciation in college women: An exploratory model

Based on theory and findings from qualitative and quantitative research, we developed and investigated a model of positive body image. This model placed body appreciation in a mediating role, linking interpersonal (caregiver eating messages, adult attachment) and intrapersonal (perfectionism) variables to intuitive eating and depressive symptoms. Path analysis supported our model for 249 college women. Restrictive/critical caregiver eating messages, attachment anxiety, and discrepancy (maladaptive) perfectionism inversely predicted body appreciation, while order (adaptive) perfectionism positively predicted body appreciation. In turn, body appreciation positively predicted intuitive eating but not depressive symptoms. Body appreciation was upheld as a mediator: discrepancy perfectionism, attachment anxiety, and restrictive/critical caregiver eating messages inversely predicted intuitive eating largely through their negative connection with body appreciation. These findings underscore the importance of women's internalized messages about eating, weight, and relationships to their capacity to appreciate their body and respect it by eating according to its internal hunger/satiety cues.
The amplified cancer gene LAPTM4B promotes tumor growth and tolerance to stress through the induction of autophagy

Autophagy is a fundamental salvage pathway that encapsulates damaged cellular components and delivers them to the lysosome for degradation and recycling. This pathway usually conducts a protective cellular response to nutrient deprivation and various stresses. Tumor cells live with metabolic stress and use autophagy for their survival during tumor progression and metastasis. Genomic instability in tumor cells may result in amplification of crucial gene(s) for autophagy and upregulate the autophagic pathway. We demonstrate that a cancer-associated gene, LAPTM4B, plays an important role in lysosomal functions and is critical for autophagic maturation. Its amplification and overexpression promote autophagy, which renders tumor cells resistant to metabolic and genotoxic stress and results in more rapid tumor growth.
Personalizing the Large-Enrollment Course

Describing a systematic method, with planned support facilities and materials, to extend PSI for very large enrollment courses.
Very high peak current CBE grown InGaAs tunnel junction for InP/InGaAs tandem cells fabricated on InP, GaAs, and Si substrates

For the first time high quality In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As tunnel junctions were grown at relatively low temperatures (450/spl deg/C to 530/spl deg/C) using chemical beam epitaxy (CBE). p/sup ++n/sup ++/ In/sub 0.53/Ga/sub 0.47/As tunnel junctions were realized on InP, GaAs, and GaAs/Si substrates. Homoepitaxial devices (grown on InP) exhibit excellent room temperature I-V characteristics. Peak current density exceeding 1000 A.cm/sup -2/ with specific resistivities in the range of 10/sup -4/ /spl Omega/.cm/sup 2/ were obtained. Heteroepitaxial devices fabricated on GaAs (4% lattice mismatch) and Si (8% lattice mismatch) exhibit peak current densities similar to their homoepitaxial counterparts. Finally no degradation of the tunnel device performance is observed after the subsequent CBE growth of state of the art InP solar cells. >
Life history theory and evolutionary psychology.

In this chapter we present an overview of life history theory and review its main psychological applications. We first discuss basic trade-offs in life history allocations and introduce the concept of life history strategies. We then consider the evolution of life history strategies at the population level and their development at the individual level. Next, we explore the question of which physiological and psychological mechanisms mediate the development and organization of life history strategies. Finally, we review current applications of life history theory to human growth and development, individual differences in developmental trajectories, personality, and psychopathology. We conclude with a summary of the theoretical and empirical challenges facing future research in this area. Keywords: development; life history theory; personality; psychology; psychopathology
Optimizing the Design of a Configurable Digital Signal Processor for Accelerated Execution of the 2-D Discrete Cosine Transform

The advance of mobile electronics technology has produced handheld appliances allowing both wireless voice and data communications. As data communications become increasingly important in mobile computing applications, traditional microprocessors and the accompanying software are increasingly less able to meet the size constraints of these applications while delivering increased performance. One of the most important operations in the realm of digital signal and image processing is the 2-D Discrete Cosine Transform, used to compress both still images and streaming video. The BISON Configurable Digital Signal Processor(BCDSP) architecture detailed here uses multiple memories, few instructions, and a special pipelined floating point arithmetic function core to run on a commercially available Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) board. The results demonstrate that although the clock speed of the FPGA board was 2 orders of magnitude slower than the microprocessor used in this study, the BCDSP implementation was still significantly faster.
Opioids for chronic noncancer pain: prediction and identification of aberrant drug-related behaviors: a review of the evidence for an American Pain Society and American Academy of Pain Medicine clinical practice guideline.

Optimal methods to predict risk of aberrant drug-related behaviors before initiation of opioids for chronic noncancer pain and to identify aberrant behaviors after therapy is initiated are uncertain. We systematically reviewed published literature identified through searches of Ovid MED- LINE and the Cochrane databases through July 2008. Diagnostic test characteristics and accompany- ing confidence intervals were calculated with data extracted from the studies. Four prospective studies evaluated diagnostic accuracy of risk prediction instruments. Two higher-quality derivation studies found that high scores on the Screener and Opioid Assessment for Patients with Pain (SOAPP) Version 1 and the Revised SOAPP (SOAPP-R) instruments weakly increased the likelihood for future aberrant drug-related behaviors (positive likelihood ratios (PLR), 2.90 (95% CI, 1.91 to 4.39) and 2.50 (95% CI, 1.93 to 3.24), respectively). Low scores on the SOAPP Version 1 moderately decreased the likelihood for aberrant drug-related behaviors (negative likelihood ratio (NLR), 0.13 (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.34)) and low scores on the SOAPP-R weakly decreased the likelihood (NLR, 0.29 (95% CI, 0.18 to 0.46)), but estimates are too imprecise to determine if there is a difference between these in- struments. One lower-quality study found that categorization as high risk using the Opioid Risk Tool strongly increased the likelihood for future aberrant drug-related behaviors (PLR, 14.3 (95% CI, 5.35 to 38.4)) and classification as low risk strongly decreased the likelihood (PLR, 0.08 (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.62)). Nine studies evaluated monitoring instruments for identification of aberrant drug-related be- haviors in patients on opioid therapy. One higher-quality derivation study found higher scores on the Current Opioid Misuse Measure (COMM) weakly increased the likelihood of current aberrant drug-re- lated behaviors (PLR, 2.77 (95% CI, 2.06 to 3.72)) and lower scores weakly decreased the likelihood (NLR, 0.35 (95% CI, 0.24 to 0.52)). In 8 studies of other monitoring instruments, diagnostic accuracy was poor, results were difficult to interpret due to methodological shortcomings, or standard diag- nostic test characteristics were not reported. Definitions for aberrant drug-related behaviors were not standardized across studies and did not account for seriousness of identified behaviors. No reli- able evidence exists on accuracy of urine drug screening, pill counts, or prescription drug monitoring programs; or clinical outcomes associated with different assessment or monitoring strategies. Perspective: Evidence on prediction and identification of aberrant drug-related behaviors is lim- ited. Although several screening instruments may be useful, evidence is sparse and primarily based
Two colorful applications of the PPP method

Two different color-related applications of the Pariser-Pam-Pople method are described. The first one deals with an explanation of the uv-visible absorption spectrum of the curcumin pigment in turmeric and the color change of curcumin upon addition of OH-. The other application deals with blue and red shifts in poly-diacetylene to polybutatriene transformation. The applications of the FEMO and PPP methods to curcumin facilitate assignment of the two observed bands of curcumin (UV and visible) to the r + r* (uv) and n + r* (visible) transitions, respectively. A graph-theoretical formulation of the PPP method is also considered.
Cognitive computing journey

Building intelligent machines has been a long dream of humanity. While the journey has been difficult and slow, the progress in Machine Learning, Optimization Techniques and advancement in Deep Belief Networks offers promising ways to engineer cognitive systems. The science behind cognitive computing seeks to develop systems that emulate human brain functions such as perception, knowledge accumulation, goal planning, and logical inference. Cognitive systems will operate at a speed and an informational capacity that far exceeds human capability. They will serve to act as an advisor, partner, helpmate, and co-creator to the humans, collaborating on human terms.Cognitive computing is a fundamentally new computing paradigm for tackling real world problems, exploiting enormous amounts of information using massively parallel machines that interact with humans and other cognitive systems. Cognitive systems will bring human-like reasoning to the problems of Big Data, and will also permit us to expand into the white space of domains that require human-like cognition but that either exceed human capacity or are impossible for a live human presence.In this talk, I will review the past progress and discuss the future challenges. I will address the architectural challenges of building a general purpose system of systems that can learn, can reason, and can interact in a human natural way.
Topsoil foraging and phosphorus acquisition efficiency in maize (Zea mays)

In soybean and common bean, enhanced topsoil foraging permitted by shallow root architectures is advantageous for phosphorus acquisition from stratified soils. The importance of this phenomenon in graminaceous crops, which have different root architecture and morphology from legumes, is unclear. In this study we evaluated the importance of shallow roots for phosphorus acquisition in maize (Zea mays L.). In a field study, maize genotypes with shallower roots had greater growth in low phosphorus soil than deep-rooted genotypes. For physiological analysis, four maize genotypes differing in root shallowness in the field were grown in solid media with stratified phosphorus availability in a controlled environment. Of the four genotypes, one shallow and one deep genotype were also inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM). Shallower genotypes had significantly greater growth and phosphorus accumulation compared with deeper genotypes at low phosphorus availability. Mycorrhizal colonisation altered root shallowness under low phosphorus conditions, increasing shallowness substantially in a deep-rooted genotype but slightly decreasing shallowness in a shallow-rooted genotype. Mycorrhizal colonisation increased phosphorus acquisition under low phosphorus availability. Respiration costs of roots and shoots of phosphorus-efficient genotypes were significantly lower under low phosphorus conditions compared with inefficient genotypes. The physiological efficiency of phosphorus acquisition, expressed as root respiration per unit of phosphorus acquisition, was greater in shallow rooted genotypes. Our results demonstrate that genetic variation for root shallowness exists in maize, that phosphorus and AM can modulate root shallowness independently, and that a shallower root system is beneficial for plant performance in maize at low phosphorus availability. We propose that root architectural traits that enhance topsoil foraging are important traits for improved phosphorus acquisition efficiency of annual grain crops such as maize in addition to legumes.
A comprehensive mechanistic pathway for n-butane isomerization on sulfated zirconia

This paper proposes a comprehensive mechanistic model for n-butane isomerization on sulfated zirconia (SZ) that accounts for the apparent contradictory results reported in the literature. The use of nonspecific olefins as molecular probes in n-butane isomerization has played a central role leading to this mechanistic proposal. The contradictory results in the literature have led various authors to conclude that the reaction occurs via a bimolecular mechanism, while others have suggested that a monomolecular pathway is dominant. The presence of butene is well known to lead to increased isobutane formation, suggesting a predominantly bimolecular route. However, we recently showed that the addition of other olefins (ethylene, propylene, isobutene, and 1-pentene) also promotes the reaction rate and modifies the induction period. These results indicate that not only C4 olefins, but also any olefin with the ability to form carbenium ion species on the catalyst surface, can promote catalytic activity. Taking into account our latest experimental evidence, a reaction mechanism is proposed involving a bimolecular pathway with the characteristics of a monomolecular pathway (dual-nature mechanism) using “olefin-modified sites” as the main centers of reaction. The major observations made for the isomerization of n-butane (i.e., isotopic scrambling, nonspecific olefin activity promotion, high isobutane selectivity, and catalyst deactivation) are discussed in light of the proposed molecular pathway, and the seeming duality of the mechanism is addressed.
Synaptic Activation of Presynaptic Glutamate Transporter Currents in Nerve Terminals

Glutamate uptake by high-affinity transporters is responsible for limiting the activation of postsynaptic receptors and maintaining low levels of ambient glutamate. The reuptake process generates membrane currents, which can be activated by synaptically released glutamate in glial cells and some postsynaptic neurons. However, less is known about presynaptic transporter currents because the small size of synaptic boutons precludes direct recordings. Here, we have recorded from two giant nerve terminals: bipolar cell synaptic terminals in goldfish retina and the calyx of Held in rat auditory brainstem. Exocytosis was evoked by brief depolarizations and measured as an increase in membrane capacitance. In isolated bipolar cell terminals, exocytosis was associated with an anion (NO3- or Cl-) current. The current peaked 2.8 msec after the start of the depolarization and decayed with a mean time constant of 8.5 msec. It was inhibited by the nontransportable glutamate transporter antagonist sc-threo-beta-benzyloxyaspartate (TBOA) but was insensitive to the GLT1/EAAT2 subtype-selective antagonist dihydrokainate and was affected by extracellular pH buffering. A TBOA-sensitive anion current was also evoked by application of exogenous glutamate to bipolar cell terminals. The large single-channel conductance, derived from noise analysis, and previous immunolocalization studies suggest that synaptically released glutamate activates EAAT5-type transporters in bipolar cell terminals. In contrast, neither exocytosis nor exogenous glutamate evoked a transporter current in the calyx of Held. Glutamate transporter currents with rapid kinetics are therefore identified and characterized in bipolar cell terminals, providing a valuable system for investigating the function and modulation of presynaptic glutamate transporters.
Chronic hepatitis B

PREAMBLE These guidelines have been written to assist physicians and other health care providers in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of patients chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). They are intended to suggest preferable approaches to the clinical management of chronic hepatitis B. The recommendations are flexible and are not intended as the only acceptable approach to management and treatment. As the appropriate course of treatment will vary in light of the relevant facts and circumstances surrounding each individual patient with chronic hepatitis B, guidelines are not intended to define the applicable standard of medical care and may be updated periodically as new information becomes available. These guidelines were developed under the auspices of, and approved by, the Practice Guidelines Committee of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. They should be taken as guidelines and not “standards of care.” Data used to support the recommendations made were obtained by a literature search of peer-reviewed articles concerning the natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hepatitis B. In addition, the proceedings of a recent National Institutes of Health workshop on the “Management of Hepatitis B” were considered in the development of these guidelines. 1 The strength of each recommendation is categorized based on the quality of evidence in the literature according to the rating system indicated in Table 1. 2
Strain accumulation along the Cascadia subduction zone

We combine triangulation, trilateration, and GPS observations to determine horizontal strain rates along the Cascadia subduction zone from Cape Mendocino to the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Shear-strain rates are significantly greater than zero (95% confidence) in all forearc regions (26–167 nanoradians/yr), and are not significant in the arc and backarc regions. The deformation is primarily uniaxial contraction nearly parallel to Juan de Fuca-North America plate convergence (N55°–80°E). The strain rates are consistent with an elastic dislocation model for interseismic slip with a shallow 100-km wide locked zone and a deeper 75-km transition zone along the entire megathrust, except along the central Oregon coast where relatively lower strain rates are consistent with 30–40 km wide locked and transition zones.
Tumour necrosis factors receptor associated signalling molecules and their role in activation of apoptosis, JNK and NF-κB

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that mediates apoptosis, cell proliferation, immunomodulation, inflammation, viral replication, allergy, arthritis, septic shock, insulin resistance, autoimmune diseases, and other pathological conditions. TNF transduces these cellular responses through two distinct receptors: type I, which are expressed on all cell types, and type II, which are expressed only on cells of the immune system and endothelial cells. At the cellular level, these receptors activate the pathways leading to the activation of transcription factors NF-kappaB and AP-1, apoptosis and proliferation, and mitogen activated protein kinases. None of these receptors exhibit any enzymatic activity but the signals are transmitted through the recruitment of more than a dozen different signalling proteins, which together form signalling cascades. Inhibitors of TNF signalling have therapeutic value as indicated by the approval of the soluble TNF receptors and anti-TNF antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis and for inflammatory bowl disease.
A YAP/TAZ-miR-130/301 molecular circuit exerts systems-level control of fibrosis in a network of human diseases and physiologic conditions

The molecular origins of fibrosis affecting multiple tissue beds remain incompletely defined. Previously, we delineated the critical role of the control of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffening by the mechanosensitive microRNA-130/301 family, as activated by the YAP/TAZ co-transcription factors, in promoting pulmonary hypertension (PH). We hypothesized that similar mechanisms may dictate fibrosis in other tissue beds beyond the pulmonary vasculature. Employing an in silico combination of microRNA target prediction, transcriptomic analysis of 137 human diseases and physiologic states, and advanced gene network modeling, we predicted the microRNA-130/301 family as a master regulator of fibrotic pathways across a cohort of seemingly disparate diseases and conditions. In two such diseases (pulmonary fibrosis and liver fibrosis), inhibition of microRNA-130/301 prevented the induction of ECM modification, YAP/TAZ, and downstream tissue fibrosis. Thus, mechanical forces act through a central feedback circuit between microRNA-130/301 and YAP/TAZ to sustain a common fibrotic phenotype across a network of human physiologic and pathophysiologic states. Such re-conceptualization of interconnections based on shared systems of disease and non-disease gene networks may have broad implications for future convergent diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Comparative study of two glycine transporter 1 radiotracers [11C]GSK931145 and [18F]MK6577 in baboons

414 Objectives The glycine transporter-1 (GlyT1) has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders and GlyT1 inhibitors are being pursued as therapeutic agents for cognitive impairments. Recently [11C]GSK931145 and [18F]MK-6577 have been developed for imaging GlyT1. We report here a comparative study of these two tracers in anesthetized baboons. Methods [11C]GSK9311451 was prepared by reaction of its normethyl precursor with [11C]methyl triflate in MEK using the Tracerlab automated synthesis module or the loop method. [18F]MK-6577 was synthesized from reaction of its chloro precursor with K[18F]F in DMSO at 200 °C for 5 min.PET imaging was conducted on a HR+ scanner with arterial blood sampling. Brain time-activity curves (TACs) were analyzed with kinetic models using metabolite-corrected input functions to derive binding parameters. Results [11C]GSK931145 and [18F]MK-6577 were prepared in high yield and radiochemical purity (both >95%). In baboons plasma free fraction was higher for [18F]MK-6577:12.8% (n = 4) vs. 5.6% for [11C]GSK931145 (n = 8). Both tracers displayed similar rates of metabolism, with ~30% parent at 30 min. In the brain, uptake levels were higher for [18F]MK-6577: SUV of ~4 vs. ~2 for [11C]GSK931145. [18F]MK-6577 also displayed faster kinetics. Regional TACs were well fitted by a 1-tissue (1T) model. For [11C]GSK931145, mean distribution volume (VT) values were 3.5, 3.4, 2.6, 2.4 and 1.5 mL/cm3 in brainstem, pons, cerebellum, thalamus and occipital cortex (n=2). [18F]MK-6577 regional VT values were at least twice as high (VT MK-6577 = 2.5 VT GSK931145 + 0.5, R2) = 0.9986). Conclusions Both [11C]GSK931145 and [18F]]MK-6577 possess imaging properties suitable for receptor occupancy studies. However, [18F]MK-6577 may prove to be a superior tracer for detecting GlyT1 alterations in neuropsychiatric disorders, as its faster kinetics and higher binding signal, coupled with the better counting statistics (F-18), may allow for more reliable measurement of binding parameters.
What Your 'Unprepared' Note Says About You

This opinion piece in a law school newsletter cautions students that their professors may form an impression of their professionalism from something as simple as an "unprepared" note.
Vapor-Deposited Pt and Pd-Pt Catalysts for Solid Acid Fuel Cells: Short Range Structure and Interactions with the CsH2PO4 Electrolyte

State-of-the-art cathodes for solid acid fuel cells (SAFCs) based on the crystalline electrolyte CsH2PO4 (CDP) are comprised of a proton-conducting CDP network coated by a vapor-deposited nanostructured catalyst. Pd-rich (85 at%Pd) Pt-Pd oxygen reduction catalysts vapor-deposited on CDP display both extraordinary activity for oxygen reduction and poor stability in cathodes for SAFCs operating at 250 °C. Similar catalysts with lower Pd content (57 at%Pd) are less active and more stable. Using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), we find that these catalysts are structurally similar and that structural variations are insufficient to explain the observed differences in activity. XAS and solid-state and solution nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) also show that additional water-soluble chemical species are present in the Pd-rich electrode after fuel cell operation. We attribute the presence of these species to the reactivity of the Pd-rich catalyst with CsH2PO4 and suggest that these products are the cause of the observed deactivation.
Radio frequency sputter source for studies of transition-metal dimers

The past decade has seen much spectroscopic work on clusters of transition-metal atoms. Cluster production methods have generally hindered sensitive detection of rotational band structure, leaving some duster geometries and electronic-state symmetries indeterminate. Here we show how a rf sputtering chamber produces copious dimers with a near-room-temperature rotational state distribution, allowing straightforward probing of rovibronic structure by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). Dicopper, Q12, serves as the example.
Investigation of Laser-Surface Interactions Using a Nano- Impulse Balance

A torsional impulse balance has been developed as a new diagnostic tool to study fundamental physical processes in micropropulsi on systems and laser-surface interactions. Of particular interest are the transient forces due to processes of laser ablation and gas desorption from rapidly heated surfaces. With respect to the transfer of momentum, direct measurements of the transient forces can lead to a better understanding and characterization of the efficiency of the thrust that is possible under different configurations. The impulse balance has been designed and tested with a robust calibration system to measure impulsive forces with resolution as low as several nano-Newton-seconds. The behavior of the impulse balance was thoroughly studied and characterized. An analytical model of the balance’s motion was developed from the general equation of motion of an underdamped, harmonically oscillating system. A simple technique has been developed to accurately back out the force as a function of time from the experimental data.
Relations between the thyroid and pituitary glands

Recent work by Herring1 has shown that complete removal of the thyroid in rabbits, cats and dogs is followed by definite histological changes in the pituitary body. A greatly increased production o...
On "Oral Utterances" and Lines of Free-style Poems

Poetry is the art of language and language involves oral utterances. Free-style poems base the formal creation on the expression of oral utterances. The arrangement of the lines in these poems is one of the ways of expressing oral utterances, which is achieved by putting in order long and short lines, by the spaces between verses, by the syntactic structures and syllable pauses, and by integrating and separating the verses. We can perceive the orators' unmentionable meanings through the oral utterances in separate lines.
Mechanical Properties of Geopolymer Concrete in Water Environment under Impact Loading

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of water environment on dynamic mechanical properties of geopolymer concrete( GC). Dynamic compressive tests on dry and wet GC specimens were conducted by a split Hopkinson pressure bar system. The results indicate that the dynamic strength and impact toughness of GC,in both dry and wet states,display an increasing trend as strain rate increases. In water environment,the quasi-static strength of GC decreases,however,the dynamic strength increases and becomes bigger than dry specimen as strain rate increases. The rate sensitivity of GC in water environment had been promoted. Besides,water environment has a minor influence on the impact toughness of GC but decrease the dynamic elastic modulus,the deformability of GC decrease in water environment.
Sexual Concerns of Childhood

Children enter the world as sexed beings. Prenatal processes have established the basis for a gender identity (in most cases) as well as the capacity for erotically stimulating interaction with the environment. From the moment of birth, significant persons in the infant’s environment respond to the individual as a male or female. An elaborate psychosocial network forms that supports the perceived biological sex of the child. This network will provide more or less flexible choices of role-related behaviors as the child grows and struggles to develop a coherent, socially acceptable, but personally unique, sexual identity (Money and Erhardt, 1972). Numerous complexities and challenges lie along the road toward adult sexual identity. This chapter will focus primarily on erotic aspects of childhood socialization, whereas later chapters (4 and 6) will examine the pitfalls and problems of gender identity formation and sex-role socialization.
Anomalous position of atrial septum with anomalous pulmonary and systemic venous drainage. Correction including ligation of persistent left superior vena cava.

Anomalous pulmonary and systemic venous return accompanying a posteriorly placed atrial septum with a small primum defect is described. The persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC), coronary sinus, and left superior pulmonary veins drained into the left atrium by a common channel. Correction included ligation of the LSVC.
A Rare but Important Clinical Presentation of Induced Methemoglobinemia

Phenazopyridine is considered one of the classic causes of drug-induced methemoglobinemia. It is often taught as such and seen in board review courses. Nevertheless, the epidemiology is unknown, presentation quite rare, and less than five cases have been reported in PubMed in over 35 years.1-4 We present a case with a different set of patient characteristics than seen in the few recent case reports, and an approach to treatment that validates further uniqueness, justifying reporting the case in the literature. In particular, the patient was a young otherwise-healthy adult, with the initial diagnosis and decision to treat based on clinical grounds versus laboratory values.
Physiological response of Tamarix ramosissima (Tamaricaceae) to a biological control agent

Abstract. Within the last century, the floristic composition of riparian communities in the Southwest has drastically changed following introduction of the exotic tree Tamarix ramosissima. In an attempt to control Tamarix populations, the tamarisk leaf beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) has been utilized as a biological control agent. Three years of data collection at our study sites along Fountain Creek (Fountain, CO) allowed us to characterize the response of Tamarix to invasion by the biological control agent. In analyzing data collected before, during, and after the beetle invasion, we observed a significant effect of foliar herbivory on Tamarix physiology and life history strategy. Associations between flower number and functional traits changed before, during, and after the beetle invasion. Before the invasion, reproductively fit individuals exhibited high stomatal conductance and used relatively more water. During and after the invasion, fit plants had higher foliar chlorophyll content, but conductance ...
First principles computation study of Ce scintillation in YI 3

Reports on high light output in yttrium triiodide doped with cerium in combination with its high stopping power, make this compound a good candidate for a successful scintillation detector. We present a thorough theoretical analysis of the processes that occur in YI 3 :Ce during scintillation. Our method includes first principles electronic structure calculations for the cerium-doped compound using density functional based methods to determine the positions of the 4f and 5d states relative to the valence and conduction bands of the host materials. This method has been developed as an integral component of a High Throughput Scintillator Discovery facility based at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. The method has been used for over 70 different compounds doped with cerium and shown to have consistent correspondence with experiment and good predictive power. In addition to the ground state calculations, we simulate excited state (Ce3+)* by constraining the occupancy of states so that it mimics the excitation. In this work, we report the results of host crystal energy gap computation, ionic relaxation for cerium-yttrium substitution, density of states calculated for ground state and excited state cases, Stokes shift relaxation, and the spatial distribution of the excited state wave function. Previously, we have established that the scintillation luminosity is influenced by the combination of the following parameters: (1) the size of the host material bandgap, (2) the energy difference between the valence band maximum of the host material and the Ce 4f level valence, and (3) the level of localization of the (Ce3+)* electron state on the Ce atom. All three of these parameters have been calculated for YI 3 :Ce and are in full correspondence with high luminosity reported for this compound.