cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of troglitazone on intracellular cholesterol distribution and cholesterol-dependent cell functions in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells.

Abstract Troglitazone treatment of MA-10 Leydig tumor cells resulted in cellular cholesteryl esters decreasing and cell free cholesterol increasing. This was not an effect unique to this chemical entity; rosiglitazone and pioglitazone caused these changes also. The excess free cholesterol was recovered largely in the cholesterol oxidase susceptible, plasma membrane cholesterol pool. This effect of troglitazone probably is not mediated by activation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors since it immediately reversed with washing and did not occur at all in cells treated with the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor agonist, 15-deoxy Δ 12,14 prostaglandin J-2. Plasma membrane cholesterol esterification was inhibited by troglitazone in a dose-dependent manner. Plasma membrane cholesterol esterification was inhibited half-maximally by 14 μM troglitazone and by more than 90% by 40 μM troglitazone. This effect was not unique for MA-10 cells. Similar results were found using fibroblasts. Troglitazone was not simply inhibiting internalization of plasma membrane cholesterol. Dibutyryl-cAMP stimulation of troglitazone-treated cells resulted in more progesterone synthesis than in stimulated control cells; moreover, radioactive plasma membrane cholesterol was readily converted into progesterone in troglitazone-treated cells. Studies of LDL uptake in troglitazone-treated cells indicated that intracellular membranes were cholesterol replete. Troglitazone inhibited plasma membrane cholesterol esterification with kinetics similar to 58-035, a known inhibitor of the acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltranserase (ACAT) enzyme. It is not likely an ACAT inhibitor since troglitazone did not block incorporation of exogenous free fatty acids into cholesteryl esters. Thus, it appears that troglitazone prevented presentation of free fatty acid to the ACAT enzyme.
Assignment of the 13C NMR spectrum of anisomycin and the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of deacetylanisomycin

The 13C NMR spectrum of anisomycin and the 1H and 13C NMR spectra of deacetylanisomycin were assigned using one- and two-dimensional NMR analysis. The techniques included INEPT, 1H13C HETCORR and 1H-1H COSY spectroscopy.
A temperature microsensor for measuring laser-induced heating in gold nanorods

Measuring temperature is an extensively explored field of analysis, but measuring a temperature change in a nanoparticle is a new challenge. Here, a microsensor is configured to measure temperature changes in gold nanorods in solution upon laser irradiation. The device consists of a silicon wafer coated with silicon nitride in which a microfabricated resistance temperature detector was embedded and attached to a digital multimeter. A polydimethylsiloxane mold served as a microcontainer for the sample attached on top of the silicon membrane. This enables laser irradiation of the gold nanorods and subsequent measurement of temperature changes. The results showed a temperature increase of 8 to 10 °C and good correlation with theoretical calculations and bulk sample direct temperature measurements. These results demonstrate the suitability of this simple temperature microsensor for determining laser-induced heating profiles of metallic nanomaterials; such measurements will be essential for optimizing therapeutic and catalytic applications.
Banach spaces which can be given an equivalent uniformly convex norm

Necessary and sufficient conditions for a Banach space to have an equivalent uniformly convex norm are given.
Predicting performance in the Peace Corps.

(1967). Predicting Performance in the Peace Corps. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 71, No. 1, pp. 11-21.
Gravitational Anomalies and the Family's Index Theorem

We discuss the use of the family's index theorem in the study of gravitational anomalies. The geometrical framework required to apply the family's index theorem is presented and the relation to gravitational anomalies is discussed. We show how physics necessitates the introduction of the notion oflocal cohomology which is distinct from the ordinary topological cohomology. The recent results of Alvarez-Gaume and Witten are derived by using the family's index theorem.
GEOMETRY AND HARMONIC FREQUENCY OF N2 WITH COUPLED CLUSTER METHODS THAT INCLUDE CONNECTED QUADRUPLE EXCITATIONS

Abstract Coupled cluster methods with full inclusion of singles, doubles, triples and noniterative connected quadruples (CCSDT(Qf)) are used to calculate the geometry and harmonic frequency of the N2 molecule for a series of correlation-consistent basis sets up to the polarized valence 5-zeta. The connected quadruple excitations lower the harmonic frequency by 19 cm−1 and raise the bond length by 0.0012 A. For the approximate inclusion of the T3 cluster the connected quadruple correction is smaller, but consistent for the basis sets studied. The frequency value for the largest basis set with all electrons correlated (quadruple-zeta quality) is 3 cm−1 below the experimental value. The estimated basis set limit for the CCSDT(Qf) method is 2361 cm−1 compared to the experimental value of 2358.6 cm−1.
The antifibrotic drug halofuginone inhibits proliferation and collagen production by human leiomyoma and myometrial smooth muscle cells.

Objective To investigate the effects of the antifibrotic drug halofuginone on extracellular matrix production, cell proliferation, and apoptosis of cultured myometrial and leiomyoma smooth muscle cells. Design Comparative and controlled experimental research study. Setting University research laboratory. Patient(s) Leiomyoma and myometrial tissues were obtained from eight different patients at the time of elective hysterectomy. Main Outcome Measure(s) The effects of halofuginone on cell proliferation were assessed by tritiated thymidine uptake assays and cell count assays. Effects on TGFβ1, collagen type I, and collagen type III mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Effects on apoptosis were assayed using a chemiluminescent assay to measure changes in caspase 3 and 7. Result(s) Halofuginone inhibited cell proliferation of both leiomyoma and autologous myometrial cells in a dose-dependent manner by inhibiting DNA synthesis within 24 hours and later inducing apoptosis (as measured by increased caspase 3/7) by 48–72 hours. Halofuginone also significantly reduced collagen type I (α1) and collagen type III (α1) mRNA levels, as well as the profibrotic factor TGFβ1 mRNA levels in both cell types. Conclusion(s) These results provide evidence to support the use of the antifibrotic drug halofuginone as a novel drug treatment for uterine leiomyomas.
GC–MS Quantitation and Identification of Bisphenol-A Isolated from Water

Isolation and identification of organic compounds is a necessary skill chemistry students must be able to do with proficiency. In this upper-level undergraduate laboratory, students isolate bisphenol-A (BPA; 4-4′-isopropylidenediphenol) from water using solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by derivatization with analysis by GC–MS. The students learn the proper steps and techniques of SPE that include conditioning, equilibration, washing, and eluting. The students are then asked to identify the BPA peak from the GC–MS analysis of a mixture of standards based upon the molecular ion, keeping in mind the change in molecular weight upon derivatization. Interpretation of GC–MS data showed predictable fragmentation and highlights the formation of benzylic carbocations. Quantification was done by an external calibration curve and the sample was quantified and a percent recovery is calculated.
The effect of seasonal and long-period geopotential variations on the GPS orbits

We examine the impact of using seasonal and long-period time-variable gravity field (TVG) models on GPS orbit determination, through simulations from 1994 to 2012. The models of time-variable gravity that we test include the GRGS release RL02 GRACE-derived 10-day gravity field models up to degree and order 20 (grgs20x20), a 4 A— 4 series of weekly coefficients using GGM03S as a base derived from SLR and DORIS tracking to 11 satellites (tvg4x4), and a harmonic fit to the above 4 A— 4 SLR---DORIS time series (goco2s_fit2). These detailed models are compared to GPS orbit simulations using a reference model (stdtvg) based on the International Earth Rotation Service (IERS) and International GNSS Service (IGS) repro1 standards. We find that the new TVG modeling produces significant along, cross-track orbit differences as well as annual, semi-annual, draconitic and long-period effects in the Helmert translation parameters (Tx, Ty, Tz) of the GPS orbits with magnitudes of several mm. We show that the simplistic TVG modeling approach used by all of the IGS Analysis Centers, which is based on the models provided by the IERS standards, becomes progressively less adequate following 2006 when compared to the seasonal and long-period TVG models.
Clinical utility of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Self-Report (BRIEF-SR) in adolescents with traumatic brain injury.

Objective To evaluate the factor structure and correlates of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Self-Report (BRIEF-SR) in 118 adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Method Cross-sectional study. Maximum-likelihood exploratory, as well as confirmatory, factor analysis. External correlates of factor scores were evaluated. Results Two latent constructs were identified, with notable variation in scale loading pattern compared with standardization sample findings of the BRIEF-SR. These factors covaried inversely with severity of TBI; more severe injuries were associated with lower self-ratings of executive dysfunction, indicating a possible lack of deficit awareness in those with relatively severe injuries. Premorbid ADHD affected both factors, resulting in higher self-ratings of executive dysfunction, suggesting preserved awareness of preexisting difficulties in those with uncomplicated mild injuries. In addition, males reported less executive dysfunction than females. Conclusions/implications Findings suggest that the BRIEF-SR measures somewhat different latent constructs after TBI than in typically developing adolescents, and that BRIEF-SR scores need to be considered in concert with objective measures of injury severity and premorbid demographic and historical variables. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2013 APA, all rights reserved).
Subunit structure and dissociation of Callinectes sapidus hemocyanin.

The hemocyanin of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus has two major components sedimenting with approximate sedimentation coefficients of 17 S and 25 S. Molecular weight data based on light scattering and sedimentation equilibrium measurements at pH 7.8 suggest that the two components have molecular weights of approximately 450 000 and 900 000 in the presence of stabilizing Ca2+. In the absence of Ca2+, the molecular weights are found to be about 5% lower, suggesting some dissociation of the hemocyanin components. Circular dichroism and optical rotatory dispersion measurements in the far-ultraviolet region gave nearly identical spectra for the two components. Based on the reference parameters of Chen et al. (Chen, Y.H., Yang, J.T. and Martinez, H.M. (1972) Biochemistry 11, 4120—4131 and Chen, Y.H., Yang, J.T. and Chan, K.H. (1974) Biochemistry 13, 3350–3359), estimates of 16–20% α-helix, 40–60% β-structure, and 30–40% random organization were obtained for the two hemocyanin components. Exposure to 6 M Gdn HCl gave light scattering molecular weights of approx. 68 000 and 77 000, which is close to one-sixth of the molecular weight of the 17 S component. These results support the view that the two components of C. sapidus hemocyanin share the hexameric and dodecameric organization common to arthropod hemocyanins. The salts of the Hofmeister series and the ureas are found to dissociate the dodecameric component with the former exhibiting the usual order of effectiveness of NaCl, NaBr, NaI, and NaClO4 dissociation, while the ureas show an inverse order of decreasing effectiveness in going from urea to methyl-, ethyl- and propylurea. This suggests that polar and ionic interactions are relatively more important than hydrophobic interactions for the stabilization of the dodecameric form of C. sapidus hemocyanin. The dissociation behavior of the 17 S hexameric species by GdnHCl in the 0–1.5 M concentration region (where essentially no denaturation occurs), based on light scattering molecular-weight measurements, is satisfactorily accounted for by equations describing the dissociation of hexamers to monomers.
The role of the polarization layers in hydration forces

Abstract Hydration forces between two hydrophilic surfaces are generated by the overlap between the two polarization layers which are formed near each of them. The differential equation that describes the polarizatin field as well as the corresponding boundary conditions are derived on the basis of electrostatics. Expressions for the decay length and for the magnitude of the force have been derived and compared with experiment.
Decent Society Index: A Research Note

People everywhere are discovering that their own views about a decent society are widely shared around the world. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights already made this clear in 1948 by referring to “a common understanding” of rights and freedoms and a “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family.” A challenge for social scientists is to develop dimensions for an index that measures variation in the extent to which societies are decent. Such an index would be useful in research for comparative and analytical purposes, and it could also be useful to people who mobilize to made demands of their government for a better society.
Velocity dependence of the two-nucleon interaction

Abstract Invariance arguments are used to derive the most general velocity dependent charge independent two-nucleon interaction in the nonrelativistic approximation. If one stays on the energy shell, the only essentially new term in the two-nucleon interaction is the quadratic spin-orbit potential. Off the energy shell, the quadratic spin-momentum potential must be treated as independent. In meson theory, the quadratic terms arise as ( μ M ) 2 (μ is the pion mass, M the nucleon mass) corrections to the second-order static potential in contrast to the linear spin-orbit potential which originates as a ( μ M ) correction to the fourth-order static potential.
Epidemic-based information dissemination in wireless mobile sensor networks

In this paper, we consider wireless mobile sensor networks under extreme environments where nodes: 1) have local knowledge; 2) have limited computational power; 3) make distributed decisions; and 4) move rapidly over time. Information dissemination in these networks (or gossip) can be modeled via epidemic models that analyze behavior of the system mimicking the way diseases spread (or even gossip for that matter). However, the limitation on computational power and energy of nodes forces us to consider explicit stopping criteria that are seldom done in the literature. Furthermore, harsh environments considered in this paper prevent nodes from transmitting sensed information at specified time slots and hence might cause a large variation in intertransmission time distribution. The objective of this paper is to characterize the dynamics of the information spread and obtain performance measures based on stochastic modeling. We start with modeling information flow using a Markov chain and obtain performance measures such as time to transfer information and fraction of nodes receiving information. Then, we provide a method to obtain those performance measures when the assumption on intertransmission time distribution is relaxed, e.g., time-varying transmission rates and nonexponential intertransmission time distributions, which makes our model more realistic. We make a curious finding in that, for our proposed model, the average fraction of nodes receiving information is a parameter-free constant. We also show that our model is scalable and effective.
Evaluation of Björk-Shiley prosthetic valves by real-time two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic flow mapping.

We studied the value of two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic color flow mapping for identifying normal transvalve flow profiles and valve malfunction in 20 patients with Bjork-Shiley prosthetic valves. Seven patients had Bjork-Shiley prosthetic valves in the aortic position alone, seven in the mitral position, and six had prosthetic valves in both the aortic and mitral positions. In 10 patients with normally functioning mitral valves, the ratios of the maximal major and minor Doppler-imaged orifice flow diameters to the valve ring diameters were 25 +/- 3% (mean +/- SD) and 24 +/- 3%, respectively, similar to values reported in in vitro studies. No mitral regurgitation was found in these patients by two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic flow mapping or by spectral Doppler. Of the 10 clinically normal aortic Bjork-Shiley valves, no valvular regurgitation was found by color flow mapping, whereas mild aortic regurgitation was found in two patients with the use of spectral Doppler. Malfunction of six valves was documented in five patients and was confirmed by cardiac catheterization and/or surgery. These included one case of focal fibrous ingrowth involving primarily the minor orifice of a mitral prosthetic valve, one case of mitral valve prosthetic thrombosis with decreased major and minor orifice flow diameters and valvular regurgitation, and four cases of paravalvular regurgitation involving prosthetic valves in the aortic position (three patients) and the mitral position (one patient). Two-dimensional Doppler echocardiographic flow mapping provides new observations that may aid in identifying Bjork-Shiley prosthetic valve malfunction. By localizing precisely the site of prosthetic stenosis or regurgitation, it may also assist in defining the cause of valve malfunction.
Spatial Patterns of Fire Occurrence in the Central Appalachian Mountains and Implications for wildland Fire Management

We investigated spatial variations in the incidence of anthropogenic and natural (lightning-ignited) fire in the central Appalachian Mountains of Virginia and West Virginia using a record of wildland fires that occurred on federal lands between 1970 and 2003. A consideration of spatial variability in wildland fire is important for allocating fire-suppression resources and for informing resource managers who use naturally ignited wildland fires or prescribed fires in ecological restoration efforts and fuel reduction treatments. The central Appalachian region contains three physiographic provinces with distinct climate, terrain, and vegetation characteristics. Comparing ignition density, maximum fire size, and fire cycle among the three provinces indicated that the Appalachian Plateau—the westernmost province and also the highest, coolest, and wettest of the three—was the least fire-prone environment. The Blue Ridge province along the eastern edge of the region was most fire prone. The Ridge and Valley prov...
Lissencephaly-Pachygyria Associated With Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection:

We report the presence of major cerebral migrational defects in five severely, multiply handicapped children with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. These patients had both computed tomographic (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of marked migrational central nervous system defects consistent anatomically with the spectrum of lissencephaly-pachygyria, a disorder commonly idiopathic or associated with chromosomal abnormalities or with unknown early gestational insults. Neuroradiologic features included broad, flat gyri, shallow sulci, incomplete opercularization, ventriculomegaly, periventricular calcifications, and white-matter hypodensity on CT scans or increased signal intensity on long-TR MRI scans. Evidence for congenital CMV infection included prenatal onset of microcephaly, periventricular calcifications, neonatal jaundice, hepatomegaly, elevated CMV-specific immunoglobulin M, or viral isolation from urine. Previous reports of the neurologic sequelae of CMV have emphasized varying degrees of psychomotor retardation, cerebral palsy and epilepsy due to polymicrogyria, periventricular calcification, microcephaly, or rarely, hydrocephalus. Our patients appear to represent extremely severe examples of the effects of CMV on neurologic growth, maturation, and development. Recognition of these severe migrational abnormalities was improved by use of MRI, a technique that affords superior definition of the nature and extent of gyral and white-matter abnormalities. We suggest that these abnormalities may be more common than has previously been recognized.
An approach to head, neck and trunk stabilization and control in cerebral palsy by use of the Milwaukee brace.

UMMARY This paper reports the successful use of the Milwaukee brace in nine children with cerebral palsy and lack of head, neck and body control. After an initial period of apprehension, the brace has been approved by the patients themselves, their families, teachers and therapists and has added greatly to the quality of life within the limits of the patients' abilities. Follow-up has ranged from three months to five years (mean 3 1/2 years) and no deleterious effects have been noted. RESUME Approche de la stabilisation et du controle de la tete, du cou et de tronc dans l'infirmite motrice cerebrate par corset de Milwaukee Cet article rapporte l'emploi avec succes du corset de Milwaukee chez neuf enfants IMC avec perte du controle de la tete, du cou et du corps. Apres une periode initiale de crainte, le corset a ete accepte par les infirmes eux-memes, leur families, les enseignants et paramedicaux, ameliorant grandement la qualite de la vie dans la limite des possibilites des infirmes. La surveillance a dure de trois mois a cinq ans, moyenne trois ans et demi, et n'a pas revele d'effets nocifs. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG Ein Versuch die Kopf-, Hals- und Rumpfstabilisierung und-kontrolle bei Cerebralparese durch das Milwaukee Korsett zu verbessem Diese Arbeit berichtet uber die erfolgreiche Anwendung des Milwaukee Korsetts bei neun Kindern mit Cerebralparese und dadurch bedingter mangelhafter Kopf-, Hals- und Rumpfkontrolle. Nach einer anfanglichen Gewohnungszeit wurde das Korsett von den Patinten selbst, ihren Familien, Lehrern und Therapeuten akzeptiert und trug wesentlich zur Verbesserung der Lebensmoglichkeiten im Rahmen der Fahigkeiten der Patienten bei. Die Nachuntersuchungen wurden uber die Zeitspanne von drei Monaten bis zu funf Jahren (im Mittel dreieinhalb Jahre) durchgefuhrt und haben keine nachteiligen Auswirkungen ergeben. RESUMEN Aproximacion a la estabilizacion y control de cuello y cabeza en la pardlisis cerebral, con el uso del extensor de Milwaukee Esta comunicacion aporta la utilizacion con exito del extensor de Milwaukee en nueve ninos con paralisis cerebral y falta de control en la cabeza, cuello y cuerpo. Despues de un periodo inicial de aprension, el extensor ha sido aprobado por los padres, sus familiares, maestros y terapistas y ha constituido una ayuda para la calidad de la vida dentro de los limites de las habilidades de los pacientes. La observacion posterior ha oscilado entre tres meses y cinco anos (promedio tres afios y medio) y no se ha notado ningun efecto adverse.
How Is Critical Ontology Possible? Toward the Foundation of the General Theory of the Categories, Part One (1923)

This is a translation of an early essay by the German philosopher Nicolai Hartmann (1882–1950). In this 1923 essay Hartmann presents many of the fundamental ideas of his new critical ontology. He summarizes some of the main points of his critique of neo-Kantian epistemology, and provides the point of departure for his new approach in an extensive criticism of the errors of the classical ontological tradition. Some of these errors concern the definition of an ontological category or principle, and others concern the relations among categories themselves. The outline for the new ontology is sketched through the correctives Hartmann appends to the treatment of each error, prefiguring his mature ontological system.
SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION IN THE CNS OF THE MOTH, MANDUCA SEXTA. II: TARGET DEPENDENCE FOR THE SURVIVAL OF THE IMAGINAL MIDLINE NEURONS

While the majority of neurons in the adult nervous system of the moth Manduca sexta are produced postembryonically, little is known about how these cells interact with their targets during development. Few of these cells are motor neurons; most of Manduca's adult motor neurons are respecified larval motor neurons that developed embryonically. A few motor neurons do develop postembryonically, including a large class of mixed neurosecretory and motor neurons called the imaginal midline neurons (IMNs). A subset of these cells show an unusual pattern of sex-specific development and survival (Thorn and Truman, 1994, J. Neurobiol. in press), which led us to suspect that factors extrinsic to the cells were controlling their fates. We analyzed one such potential factor by altering the contacts between a subset of these developing IMNs and their adult-specific target, the male sperm duct. When we transected the nerve that innervated the sperm duct in the pupa, we observed a loss of many sperm duct IMNs. In contrast, a transection of the same nerve in larvae showed no neuron loss. Immunocytochemistry showed that the pupal nerve transections were accompanied by a loss of axon endings on the sperm duct, while the larval nerve transections showed no such loss. Using local hormone application to slow the development of the sperm duct while leaving the nerve intact still resulted in a loss of IMNs. These results suggest that these IMNs need contact with a robust developing target in the pupa to survive metamorphosis.
Boundary Helps: Efficient Routing Protocol Using Directional Antennas in Cognitive Radio Networks

The unpredictable activities of primary users (PUs) make the channel availabilities in cognitive radio networks (CRNs) very unstable. The dynamic channel availabilities cause routing in CRNs to be more difficult than in traditional wireless networks. Specifically, when a source node needs to select a route to reach the destination, the "optimal" route during the route selection phase may not be reliable because of the sudden appearance of a PU, and thus, may not be optimal during the data transmission phase. In this paper, we propose a novel routing protocol based on the source routing in traditional wireless networks. We consider the angle dimension of CRNs by assuming that the directional antennas are equipped on every node. The directional antennas can facilitate the marking of boundary areas of primary users. We use the USRP/Gnu radio to show the sensing result differences of different directions at the boundary area of a primary user. For every optional route between a source node and a destination node, we can evaluate its reliability and other performance by evaluating the PU areas it passes through, and estimating the possible transmission rate of each link on this route. Based on these parameters, we propose an algorithm for route selection, considering both the reliability and delay. Our routing protocol only requires very limited piggyback information, compared to other routing protocols in CRNs. It is efficient and highly adaptable under the dynamic channel availabilities. We evaluate our approach through extensive simulations.
A sensitive high resolution neutron imaging detector

Abstract We present a two-step method for a high-resolution neutron area detector in which a metal foil with a high absorption cross section acts as a neutron to charged particle converter. After the foil is activated, the neutron field information is transferred from the converter foil to an imaging device by autoradiography. This two-step process using a storage photostimulable phosphor avoids interferences from non-neutron radiation found in the radiation field.
Sodium Benzoate-Rich Beverage Consumption is Associated With Increased Reporting of ADHD Symptoms in College Students: A Pilot Investigation

Objective: Sodium benzoate, a common additive in popular beverages, has recently been linked to ADHD. This research examined the relationship between sodium benzoate-rich beverage ingestion and symptoms related to ADHD in college students. Method: College students (N = 475) completed an anonymous survey in class in fall 2010. The survey assessed recent intake of a noninclusive list of sodium benzoate-rich beverages and ADHD-related symptoms using a validated screener. Results: Sodium benzoate-rich beverage intake was significantly associated with ADHD-related symptoms (p = .001), and significance was retained after controlling for covariates. Students scoring ≥4 on the screener (scores that may be consistent with ADHD; n = 67) reported higher intakes (34.9 ± 4.4 servings/month) than the remainder of the sample (16.7 ± 1.1 servings/month). Conclusion: These data suggest that a high intake of sodium benzoate-rich beverages may contribute to ADHD-related symptoms in college students and warrants further investigation. (J. of Att. Dis. 2012; XX(X) 1-XX). Language: en
Scintillation Counter y-Spectra Unfolding Code for the IBM-650 Computer

An IBM-650 computer code for the detailed unfolding of ?-ray spectra obtained from Nal scintillation counters has been developed. The procedure is set up to remove analyzer scale dependence and to remove energy dependences to a great extent. Computer time is about one minute per ? ray.
IQGAP1 is a novel CXCR2-interacting protein and essential component of the "chemosynapse".

Background: Chemotaxis is essential for a number of physiological processes including leukocyte recruitment. Chemokines initiate intracellular signaling pathways necessary for chemotaxis through binding seven transmembrane G protein-couple receptors. Little is known about the proteins that interact with the intracellular domains of chemokine receptors to initiate cellular signaling upon ligand binding. CXCR2 is a major chemokine receptor expressed on several cell types, including endothelial cells and neutrophils. We hypothesize that multiple proteins interact with the intracellular domains of CXCR2 upon ligand stimulation and these interactions comprise a ‘‘chemosynapse’’, and play important roles in transducing CXCR2 mediated signaling processes. Methodology/Principal Findings: In an effort to define the complex of proteins that assemble upon CXCR2 activation to relay signals from activated chemokine receptors, a proteomics approach was employed to identify proteins that coassociate with CXCR2 with or without ligand stimulation. The components of the CXCR2 ‘‘chemosynapse’’ are involved in processes ranging from intracellular trafficking to cytoskeletal modification. IQ motif containing GTPase activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) was among the novel proteins identified to interact directly with CXCR2. Herein, we demonstrate that CXCR2 colocalizes with IQGAP1 at the leading edge of polarized human neutrophils and CXCR2 expressing differentiated HL-60 cells. Moreover, amino acids 1-160 of IQGAP1 directly interact with the carboxyl-terminal domain of CXCR2 and stimulation with CXCL8 enhances IQGAP1 association with Cdc42. Conclusions: Our studies indicate that IQGAP1 is a novel essential component of the CXCR2 ‘‘chemosynapse’’.
Influence of sulfur oxidation state and steric bulk upon trifluoromethyl ketone (TFK) binding kinetics to carboxylesterases and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)

Carboxylesterases metabolize numerous exogenous and endogenous ester-containing compounds including the chemotherapeutic agent CPT-11, anti-influenza viral agent oseltamivir, and many agrochemicals. Trifluoromethyl ketone (TFK)-containing compounds with a sulfur atom beta to the ketone moiety are some of the most potent carboxylesterase and amidase inhibitors identified to date. This study examined the effects of alkyl chain length (i.e., steric effects) and sulfur oxidation state upon TFK inhibitor potency (IC50) and binding kinetics (k(i)). The selective carboxylesterase inhibitor benzil was used as a non-TFK containing control. These effects were examined using two commercial esterases (porcine and rabbit liver esterase) and two human recombinant esterases (hCE-1 and hCE-2) as well as human recombinant fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). In addition, the inhibition mechanism was examined using a combination of 1H NMR, X-ray crystallography, and ab initio calculations. Overall, the data show that while sulfur oxidation state profoundly affects both inhibitor potency and binding kinetics, the steric effects dominate and override the contributions of sulfur oxidation. In addition, the data suggest that inclusion of a sulfur atom beta to the ketone contributes an increase (approximately 5-fold) in inhibitor potency due to effects upon ketone hydration and/or intramolecular hydrogen bond formation. These results provide further information on the nature of the TFK binding interaction and will be useful in increasing our understanding of this basic biochemical process.
Polymeric Plerixafor: Effect of PEGylation on CXCR4 Antagonism, Cancer Cell Invasion, and DNA Transfection

Purpose To determine the effect of PEG modification on pharmacologic and gene delivery properties of polymeric CXCR4 antagonist based on Plerixafor.
Evaluation of the psychometric properties of two forgiveness scales.

This study examined the psychometric properties of two forgiveness scales using participants enrolled at a Midwestern Catholic university (N = 328). The Forgiveness Scale is a 15—item Likert-type scale designed to measure forgiveness toward an of-fender. The Forgiveness Likelihood Scale is a 10—item Likert-type scale designed to measure tendency to forgive across situations. Factor analyses revealed that the For-giveness Scale contains two subscales (i.e., Absence of Negative, Presence of Posi-tive) and the Forgiveness Likelihood Scale consists of a single factor. Both scales have adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Both subscales of the Forgiveness Scale were significantly correlated in the expected direction with mea-sures of forgiveness, religiousness, anger, hope, religious well-being, existential well-being, and social desirability. The Forgiveness Likelihood Scale was significantly correlated in the expected direction with measures of forgiveness, religiousness, trait anger, religious well-being, and social desirability.
Assessment of therapy responses and prediction of survival in malignant pleural mesothelioma through computer-aided volumetric measurement on computed tomography scans.

Purpose The purposes of this study were (1) to calculate the tumor volume in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma using computed tomography (CT) scan images and a computer-aided measurement technique and (2) to investigate whether the baseline volume, or volume change after chemotherapy, predicts patient survival. Methods We compiled the clinical characteristics and outcome from 30 patients enrolled in two clinical trials at our cancer center in which the patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by surgery and radiation. CT scans of 30 patients were obtained at baseline and after two cycles of chemotherapy. Tumor volumes were calculated using a semiautomated computer algorithm. Overall survival was measured using a landmark time at 3 months post-treatment start date such that all patients had already received two cycles of chemotherapy and a follow-up scan. Association of volume changes with overall survival were determined by a Cox Proportional Hazards Model or log-rank test. The relationship between both pre and postoperative clinical stage and baseline tumor volume was analyzed using the rank sum test. Results The median baseline tumor volume was 473 cm 3 (range, 61 cm 3 –2108 cm 3 ). Patients with high preoperative stages (III and IV) had larger baseline tumor volume than those with low preoperative stages (I and II) ( p = 0.05). Patients with baseline volumes smaller than 619 cm 3 tended to survive longer than those with baseline volumes larger than or equal to 619 cm 3 ( p = 0.07). Percentage change of tumor volume from baseline to first follow-up CT after two cycles of chemotherapy was significantly associated with overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.94 [95% confidence interval, 1.05–3.60], p = 0.04). Whereas the relative change in modified RECIST measurements was not significantly associated with overall survival (hazard ratio: 1.06 [95% confidence interval, 0.96–1.16], p = 0.25). By classifying changes of tumor volumes between two scans into two groups, i.e., "increase" and "decrease," a significant difference in survival was found between those who increased and decreased after two cycles of chemotherapy ( p = 0.03). Conclusions Changes in tumor volume after two cycles of chemotherapy predicted overall survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Tumor volume at baseline was shown to be associated with preoperative clinical stage and survival. Computer-aided volumetric measurements may enable more reliable therapeutic response assessment and could provide additional prognostic information.
Body-Image Distortion and Mental Imagery

This study explored whether body-image distortion is a function of difficulties with imagery or problems with judgment. 49 subjects were given the Modified Video Camera Technique to measure body-image distortion. Mental imagery was measured by a modified version of the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire and the Spatial Relations subtest of the Woodcock-Johnson Psycho-educational Battery. Visual recall was assessed on the Meier Art Judgment Test. Judgment bias was assessed by the Stunkard Silhouette Method and the shape and weight subscales of the Eating Disorder Examination. Subjects who distorted body-image scored significantly more poorly on mental imagery than those who did not distort. No differences were found between groups on visual memory recall or in judgment bias.
Measurement of post-separated flowfields on airfoils

Detailed experimental measurements have been made of separated flow fields on a two-dimensional airfoil at low speeds. A rather small pitch yaw pressure probe was chosen. This probe has the capability of remote traversing in the vertical axis and remote yawing of plus or minus 180 deg. The calibration of the probe indicates a useful pitch angle range of about plus or minus 45 deg. The probe and its calibrations provide static and total pressure information as well as three components of velocity. Description and calibration of the probe and typical velocity and pressure plots of the separated flow fields are included.
Attitudes of agribusiness toward microcomputers

Attitudes of agribusiness personnel toward software uses, or intended uses and microcomputer hardware in agribusiness were assessed using survey analysis. Subjective ordinal-attitudinal questions determined the structure of opinions toward microcomputing and how attitudes affect the qualitative demand for hardware and software. Spearman's Statistic tested the correlation between respondent rankings of attitudes. Results imply that future education should emphasize computer technology as a complement to decision making, not as the decision maker itself. Educating users to evaluate software by applying marginal benefit analysis, providing instruction to users in error checking and understanding algorithms, plus educating software developers and vendors on agricultural applications would assist agribusiness.
Changing patterns of residential segregation in a prismatic metropolis: a lacunarity-based study in Houston, 1980^2000

The role of race versus class in shaping residential segregation patterns has been a contentious issue in segregation studies for decades. Despite the voluminous, interdisciplinary literature, scholars have reported conflicting evidence on the role of race versus class in residential segregations. We attribute the current inconclusive literature partially to the failure to consider scale explicitly in residential segregation measures, and partially to the growing complexity of a multiethnic melting pot in most cities in the United States. Inspired by new metrics employed by landscape ecologists to measure landscape heterogeneity, residential segregation is reconceived as a scale-dependent social phenomenon in this paper. We also present an alternative to existing structural or spatial segregation measures, considered as less efficient because most of the existing indices measure only a few dimensions of segregation at a single scale. We have developed a multiscale, lacunarity-based segregation measure, an...
Analytical Modeling for Mechanical Responses of an Axially Loaded Three-Phase Active Fiber Composite

Structural integrity and stability are among the key requirements for any mechanical component used in structural applications when subjected to external or internal loads. For example, Active Fiber Composites (AFCs) or micro fiber composites (MFCs) used as sensors and actuator for vibration damping, structural control, and health monitoring in intelligent structures can be subjected to both external and internal loading. Furthermore, demands from industry for better performing sensors and actuators for the use in adaptive structures have led the researchers to investigate and design AFC/MFC systems with optimal configurations to enhance their performances. Therefore, it is essential to understand and be able to predict the mechanical behaviour of the individual AFCs/MFCs that exist in different geometrical configurations composed of various constituent materials. In this work, an analytical approach based on elasticity equations is introduced to derive exact solutions for mechanical responses (i.e., displacements, strains, and stresses) of an axially loaded threephase composite cylinder, representing an individual AFC/MFC tube. Materials of the constituents are considered to be orthotropic for no loss of generality. To validate the exact analytical solutions, finite element analysis is performed and then the results obtained from both techniques are compared where excellent agreements are achieved.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
The Logistical Tracking System (LTS) five years later: What has been accomplished?

This chapter discusses creation and implementation at The University of Texas at Dallas of a software application developed in house to capture facilities, inventory, and personnel data for the purposes of federal and state mandatory reporting.
Reaching young adult smokers through the Internet: Comparison of three recruitment mechanisms

Introduction: While young adults have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking of any adult age group, studies of tobacco and other substance use have reported challenges in recruiting this age group. The Internet may be a useful tool for reaching young adult smokers. The present study compared three Internet-based recruitment methods for young adult smokers to complete a survey about tobacco and other substance use: Craigslist advertisements, other Internet advertisements, and E-mail invitations through a survey sampling service.
Unveiling the environment-dependent mechanical properties of porous polypropylene separators

Abstract Porous polypropylene (PP) is commonly used as separator materials for lithium ion batteries (LIB). Its mechanical properties, especially critical for abuse tolerance and durability of LIB, are subject to change in different environments. To capture the mechanical responses of a porous PP separator, its microstructure was mapped into separate atomistic models of bulk crystalline phases and oriented amorphous nanofibers. These structures were relaxed and stretched in vacuum, water, and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) using molecular dynamics (MD). The simulation results revealed DMC molecules penetrated into the amorphous PP nanofiber, and reduced the local density and the Young's modulus. In contrast, water increased the Young's modulus of the amorphous PP nanofiber. Furthermore, neither water nor DMC had any impact on the Young's modulus of the crystalline phase. These results suggest that the DMC induced separator softening was attributed to the strong attraction of the less-polar DMC solvent with the amorphous fibrous PP nanofibers.
Raman spectroscopic analysis of the secondary structure in Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin

The secondary structure content of Panulirus interruptus hemocyanin crystals is estimated to be 29±5% helix and 42±4% s-strand. These estimates are obtained from an analysis of the Raman amide I spectrum. This report constitutes a test of this method of analyzing Raman spectra since the X-ray structure of P. interruptus, which is unknown to us, is under intensive study. Also, the amide I spectrum of P. interruptus in solution, at a somewhat higher pH, is significantly different from the spectrum of crystals which indicates that the secondary structure content may be different in the solution sample.
Surveillance and screening for Barrett's esophagus: What to do when we have so many patients and so little evidence

Commentary Screening and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus has been recommended by gastroenterology professional society guidelines in hopes of decreasing the mortality rate from esophageal adenocarcinoma. Although a large number of clinicians believe in the efficacy of both screening and surveillance for Barrett's esophagus, the evidence regarding their value is primarily inferential and based on relatively weak data. Dr. Kenneth Wang examines the current recommendations for screening and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus and reviews the most recent literature assessing their utility. Grace H. Elta, MD Editor
Model Support Effects on Aerodynamic and Wake Characteristics of Large Angle Cones

The Langley Research Center of NASA has conducted an experimental program on a 140° cone model in an attempt to gain more insight into such factors as Reynolds number effects and sting-support interference in wind-tunnel tests of decelerator-shaped vehicles. In addition, an effort was made to assess the cause of experimentally observed asymmetric wake patterns behind blunt bodies, often attributed to model and/or support asymetrics, by utilizing an existing tunnel-spanning support and a single wall-mounted support in tests with the same model. The tests were performed in the Langley Unitary Plan wind tunnel. The 140° cone force tests were performed at M = 1.50 and 2.00 through an angle-of-attack range from about —3° to 13° at Reynolds numbers from 1.74 x 10 to 1.44 x 15 based on model diameter, D. Sting support diameters varied from 0.125 d/D to 0.500 d\D. The wake survey tests behind a 120° cone were performed at a Mach number of 1.60, at angles-ofattack of 0° and 5°, and at a Reynolds number of 6.60 x 10. Additional force data on the 140° cone at M= 1.50 and 2.0 and wake survey data on the 120° cone at different x/D distance may be found in Ref. 1. The results of the force tests are presented in coefficient form about the body axis with the moment reference located at the model base. These coefficients are nondimensionalized with base area and base diameter of the cone. Base pressure tubes were located at the centroid of area on the base of the cone at 90° intervals and also in the balance cavity. Chamber and base pressures were measured on all sting-diameter configurations; however, the axial-force coefficients are for total values and have not been corrected for base pressure. In the wake survey measurements, two support systems were used with the 120° cone. One support system was mounted in such a manner as to span the tunnel test section. The second support system was a single-strut, mounted on the wall of the tunnel. The wake survey results are presented as the ratio of local dynamic pressure to that in freestream. Local pressures were measured by means of a multitube rake. The rake was mounted in a vertical position in the tunnel and could be moved laterally and longitudinally in the test section.