cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
High Throughput Experimentation and Continuous Flow Validation of Suzuki-Miyaura Cross-Coupling Reactions.

Traditional methods to discover optimal reaction conditions for small molecule synthesis is a time-consuming effort that requires large quantities of material and a significant expenditure of labor. High-throughput techniques are a potentially transformative approach for reaction condition screening, however, rapid validation of the reaction hotspots under continuous flow conditions remains necessary to build confidence in high throughput screening hits. Continuous flow technology offers the opportunity to upscale the screening hotspots and optimize their output of the target compounds due to the exceptional heat and mass transfer ability of flow reactions that are conducted in a smaller and safer reaction volume. We report a robotic high throughput technique to execute reactions in multi-well plates that were coupled with fast mass spectrometric analysis using an autosampler to accelerate the reaction screening process. Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reactions were screened in this system and a heat map was generated to identify the best reaction conditions for downstream scale-up under continuous flow. Here, high throughput experimentation reactions in 96-well plates were performed for 1 h at 50 °C, 100 °C, 150 °C, and 200 °C before diluting them into 384-well plates for mass analysis. With the aid of high throughput tools, 648 unique experiments were conducted in duplicate. The cross-coupling reactions were evaluated as a function of stoichiometry, temperature, concentration, order of addition, and substrate type. The hotspots from high throughput experimentation were examined using a microfluidic Chemtrix system that confirmed the positive reaction leads as true positives. Negative outcomes identified by these experiments were found to be true negatives by microfluidic reaction evaluation. Quantitation of product yields was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS-MS).
Learning About Writing Begins Informally

The first few years of formal schooling focus on teaching children how to read and write. In this chapter, we explore what children may learn about written language prior to receiving formal instruction. Specifically, we review evidence suggesting that children acquire information about the surface and deeper features of language through informal interactions with their parents and other adults. For example, children learn about the surface features of language (the general features of print, as well as features of words and letters) through exposure to print in their environment and through activities such as learning about the alphabet. Children may also begin to learn about the deeper features of print (how writing symbolizes language) through interactions with their parents that suggest that written language is in some ways similar to spoken language. The research findings suggest that children learn a good deal about written language prior to instruction in school but that their knowledge may be restricted to elements of the language that are particularly salient to them, such as their own names. Recognizing the role that these experiences play in shaping young children’s knowledge of written language offers new avenues of research, as well as suggestions for how to improve formal education in reading and writing.
Architecture of counterrevolution: the French army in northern Algeria

The humanitarian pretenses of French colonialism have received due criticism in recent years. A series of monographs focusing on the Algerian War of Independence have highlighted the ways in which ...
You have to follow through: Attaining behavioral change goals predicts volitional personality change

Prior research has found that people’s desires to change their personality traits predict corresponding subsequent trait growth over time. However, few studies have examined the processes through which people can volitionally change their personality traits. Thus, it remains unclear whether merely desiring change predicts trait growth or whether actively pursuing change is necessary. The present study was a 15-week intensive longitudinal design that tested whether engaging in trait-typical behaviors predicted trait change. Participants provided self-report ratings of their personality traits and were able to freely accept and complete weekly “challenges”—prewritten behavioral goals that would pull their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in line with their desired traits. Results indicated that merely accepting behavioral challenges did not predict trait changes. Rather, only actually completing challenges (i.e., performing trait-typical behaviors) predicted trait change over time. Thus, merely wanting to change does not appear to be sufficient to evoke trait growth; successfully changing one’s personality traits may require actively and successfully implementing behaviors to change oneself. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved)
Treating hemolysis due to perivalvular leaks: It is all about modifying micro‐jets and not the volume of regurgitation

Paravalvular leak closure may have a therapeutic effect on the extent of hemolysis that some patients experience after valve surgery. Reduction of hemolysis is most likely in a patient with a mechanical valve and is not necessarily correlated with the volume of regurgitative flow or its subsequent reduction. Hemolysis associated with biological valves are less likely to respond to perivalvular leak closure suggesting that mechanisms other than net volume of regurgitation or micro-jets are present and should be considered.
Elevation changes on the East Antarctic ice sheet, 1978-93, from satellite radar altimetry: a preliminary assessment

Radar altimeter data from Seasal (1978), Geosat (1985-88) and ERS-1 (1991—93) are employed to estimate multi-year mean changes of the surface height throughout a region on the East Antarctic ice sheet (EAIS) extending to 72.1° S, the southernmost limit of coverage for Seasat and Geosat altimetry, and above 1500 m elevation, using orbit crossover analysis. The changes are estimated on a same-season (austral late-winter (ALW) toALW) basis, where ALW is the 10 July 9 October time-frame of the Seasat altimetry. Altimeter data corrected for slope-induced errors are used. Altimeter data not corrected for slope-induced errors are also used, for comparison. Intersatellite orbit bias, combined with the effect of other radial errors such as instrumental bias, is estimated using crossover differences on the offshore ALW sea ice, which is employed as a geoid-parallcl reference surface. If similar intersatellite radial biases are characteristic of the continental Antarctic ice-sheet altimetry to 72.1° S, the results of all crossover analyses adjusted for this intersatellite bias — suggest that the mean rate-of-change of the surface height between Seasat and Geosat for ALWs 1978 to 1986-88 was with in the range +11 to -11 mm a−1. The bias-adjusted results of all crossover analyses between Seasat and ERS-1 suggest that the mean rate-of-change of the surface height between ALWs 1978 and 1991-93 was with in the range-17 to-55mma−1 (maximum intersatellitc bias estimate) or 0 to -40 mm a−1 (minimum bias estimate), suggesting that the surface may have lowered slightly during this time interval. The inconsistency of the adjusted Seasat to Geosat vs Seasat to ERS-1 results, however, may be an indication that orbits more accurate than JGM-2 are needed for estimation of regional multi-year mean changes of elevation on the EAIS. Alternatively, it may be a reflection of the differing orbit inclinations of Seasal and ERS-1.
Birth Images on Instagram: The Disruptive Visuality of Birthing Bodies

This article examines Katie Vigos’s petition and Instagram account @empoweredbirthproject that protests the social media platform’s censorship against images of physiologic births. In analyzing spe...
A Structural Probe for Finding Syntax in Word Representations

Recent work has improved our ability to detect linguistic knowledge in word representations. However, current methods for detecting syntactic knowledge do not test whether syntax trees are represented in their entirety. In this work, we propose a structural probe, which evaluates whether syntax trees are embedded in a linear transformation of a neural network’s word representation space. The probe identifies a linear transformation under which squared L2 distance encodes the distance between words in the parse tree, and one in which squared L2 norm encodes depth in the parse tree. Using our probe, we show that such transformations exist for both ELMo and BERT but not in baselines, providing evidence that entire syntax trees are embedded implicitly in deep models’ vector geometry.
Discovering/rediscovering “home” through Ngũgĩ’s early novels

AbstractNgũgĩ’s early novels evoke three kinds of home for me: the hilly landscapes of The River Between, the repressive Emergency years in my home region of central Kenya in the 1950s, and the nat...
Trait Conscientiousness predicts rate of brain atrophy in multiple sclerosis.

Background:Conscientiousness is a core personality trait with favorable prognosis in neuropsychiatric disease.Objective:We aimed to determine whether baseline Conscientiousness predicts future brai...
Concentration effects of three common fish anesthetics on Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii)

The efficacy of three common fish anesthetics (clove oil, 2-phenoxyethanol, and tricaine methanesulfonate) was evaluated in the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii). The overarching aim of our study was to identify the best anesthetic and concentration for the purposes of routine laboratory use of Pacific hagfish (i.e., short and consistent induction and recovery times and minimized stress and safety risk to hagfish). The objectives of our study were fourfold: (1) identify anesthetic stages of Pacific hagfish using clove oil anesthesia; (2) establish standardized anesthesia preparation procedures; (3) determine the optimal anesthetic and concentration for safely achieving stage V anesthesia; and (4) investigate the effects of repeatedly exposing Pacific hagfish to anesthesia. Experimental concentrations, ranging from 50 to 400 mg/L, of each anesthetic were tested on at least three Pacific hagfish individuals. We found the following: (1) Pacific hagfish exhibited similar stages of anesthesia to those described for bony fishes; (2) sufficient mixing of clove oil with seawater had a considerable effect on the consistency and timing of anesthetic induction; (3) concentration and anesthetic significantly impacted induction and recovery timing, whereas body mass had no impact on anesthetic trends; and (4) repeatedly exposing Pacific hagfish to optimal concentrations of clove oil or MS-222 had no effect on induction or recovery timing, whereas exposure number significantly impacted induction timing when using 2-PE. Due to consistent induction and recovery times, low risk of accidental overdose, and high safety margins for both handler and hagfish, we recommend 175 mg/L of clove oil as the ideal anesthetic and concentration for the routine laboratory use of Pacific hagfish.
The Developmental Physiology of Color Patterns in Lepidoptera

Publisher Summary The Lepidoptera are a fairly recent and monophyletic taxon and, next to the Coleoptera, perhaps the largest such taxon among living things. The attractive feature of lepidopteran color patterns is that they develop in a tissue that is essentially a two-dimensional monolayer of cells in which there is neither significant growth nor cell movement. The wing is a tissue that is nonessential for the proper development and survival of the individual so that it can be manipulated with a considerable amount of freedom. The majority of color patterns are patterns of melanin deposition. The color pattern on the wings of Lepidoptera resides exclusively in the scales. The cuticle of the wing is colorless or brownish and transparent. Most whites, almost all blues, and all iridescent (metallic) colors on lepidopteran wings are structural. The majority of chemical pigments (zoochromes) that have been found in the wings of Lepidoptera belong to four categories: melanins, pterins, flavonoids, and ommochromes.
A model for describing phase-converted image intensity noise in digital fringe projection techniques

Abstract Digital fringe projection is a surface-profiling technique that is gaining popularity due to the increasing availability and quality of low-cost projection equipment and digital cameras. Noise in the pixel field of imaged targets induces error in the reconstructed phase and ultimately the surface profile measurement. In this paper, we present an approximate analytical probability density function for the estimated phase given an arbitrarily-correlated Gaussian pixel noise structure. This probability density function can be used to estimate the single point phase measurement uncertainty from easily obtainable pixel intensity noise statistics. We confirm the accuracy of the new model by comparing it to a Monte-Carlo simulation of the phase distribution. A complimentary graphics model is proposed which simulates the physical process of full-field phase measurement using a pin-hole camera model and three-dimensional point clouds of the measurement surface, allowing for another level of model verification.
Imprinting Graphene on Polymer Substrates via Coextrusion

We have demonstrated the concept of imprinting graphene on a polymer substrate via coextrusion of polypropylene/graphene (PP/G) composite and target polymers. First, we predicted by wetting coeffic...
On the boundaries of geodesically complete CAT(0) spaces

We give concrete, "infinitesimal" conditions for a proper geodesically complete CAT(0) space to have semistable fundamental group at infinity.
The Effects of Protectionist Policies in Romania

Protectionism is an economic doctrine that consists of protecting the national economy by limiting or prohibiting the import of foreign products. A country can filter foreign exchange through various protectionist, tariff (involves the use of customs barriers) and non-tariff (using barriers such as quotas, technical rules, administrative formalities, etc.). Governments resort to trade policy measures in a wide variety of situations: to balance the balance of payments, for a better allocation of resources (by promoting certain industries or sectors considered promising), to redistribute the national income, etc. Most commonly, however, they are used when domestic industries cannot cope with external competition. The main cause is their lack of competitiveness concerning foreign producers. For this reason, states often prefer to protect their domestic industries through trade policy measures, despite the negative effects they have on the economy as a whole. This paper outlines some issues specific to protectionist theories in foreign trade and their impact on a small country like Romania also protectionist theories, trade policies, and arguments in support of and against protectionism.
Enhanced nociception in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy

Abstract The most prevalent comorbidity of cerebral palsy (CP) is pain. In order to investigate the relationship between perinatal injuries that cause CP and nociception, we investigated mechanical and thermal sensitivity of New Zealand White rabbit kits after prenatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), sham surgery without hypoxia, and after a typical, unperturbed gestation. A range of motor deficits were observed in kits born naturally after HI (40 minutes at 70-80% gestation) as previously described. We found that HI caused mechanical and thermal allodynia at postnatal day 5, which was accompanied by an expansion of peptidergic afferents (marked by expression of calcitonin gene related peptide; CGRP) in both the superficial and deep dorsal horn. Non-peptidergic afferents (marked by expression of isolectin B4; IB4) were unaltered in HI kits but overlap of the two populations (peptidergic and nonpeptidergic nociceptors) was increased by HI. Interestingly, HI-subjected rabbits exhibited allodynia, even in the absence of motor deficits. HI motor affected and unaffected kits had similar thermal sensitivity but affected kits had less mechanical sensitivity than HI unaffected kits. These findings suggest that prenatal neural injuries impact sensory and motor networks independently and that developing sensory circuits may be more vulnerable than motor circuits to perturbation by prenatal hypoxic-ischemic injury. In conclusion, pain experienced by individuals with CP could arise from developmental insults capable of causing the condition, and therapeutics that specifically target altered nociception in these individuals could be beneficial for treating and preventing chronic pain.
On the optimization of imaging parameters for magnetic resonance imaging thermometry using magnetic microparticles

Abstract Magnetic Resonance Imaging thermometry is an extremely useful technique which allows one to determine, noninvasively, the temperature deep in the tissue in two or three dimensions. Many methods of MR thermometry have been developed, including those that rely on the intrinsic MR properties of tissue and those which depend on the addition of contrast agents injected into the tissue to create temperature dependent MR images. One such method is to introduce magnetic particles whose magnetization’s temperature dependence influences the MR properties of the surrounding tissue and obtain temperature from calibrated intensity changes of T2* weighted MR images. One limitation of this method is the temperature resolution which is determined by the rate of change of the magnetization with temperature. One can change the MR response either through varying the particles properties or finding the MR scan parameters which maximize the image contrast due to T2* weighting of images. In this work we calculate the MR signal strength, using known values of T1 and T2* relaxation times for agarose gel phantoms with embedded magnetic particles, and compared this with the temperature dependent intensity of experimental MR images. We seek to optimize the change in signal intensity with temperature by varying the selectable MR scanner parameters: echo time, repetition time, and flip angle. Based on comparison with experimental data we find that the change in signal with temperature can be significantly increased (by as much as 100%) through the appropriate choice of MR scan parameters .
An equation-based method for phase noise analysis [oscillator examples]

A method for calculating phase noise based on a particle diffusion model in the phase plane is introduced. This approach allows for the derivation of closed-form solutions, which can be used to see the explicit dependencies of phase noise on circuit component values. The theory is applied to the Van der Pol and Colpitts oscillators, and comparisons to simulations show close matching.
Diagnostic End to End Monitoring a Fault Detection for Braking Systems

The reliable and effective performance of a braking system is fundamental to the operation of most vehicles. Any failure in the braking system that impacts the ability to retard a vehicles motion have an immediate and frequently catastrophic effect on a vehicles safety. There are very few diagnostic systems that monitor the health of multiple individual components in a braking system and even fewer that can automatically detect early stage failures and component wear with the reliability required for such an important vehicle subsystem. The systems that can accomplish these tasks are restricted in application due to size, weight and there own unique maintenance loads. Current diagnostic techniques call for careful maintenance of braking system components. These techniques tend to be backward thinking in that they are based on previous experience which is not always a good indicator for future systems. In addition the need to perform constant maintenance on the braking system puts restrictions on its design and heavy loads on maintenance personnel. This paper describes a technique developed at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratories Systems Operations and Automation Department for low physical impact fault detection and monitoring of hydraulic vehicular braking systems without compromising reliability. This technique is being applied to severe duty tactical vehicles with brake systems that have maintenance accessibility issues. The brake monitoring system (BMS) directly monitors the linings of the friction surfaces for wear using environment tolerant sensors. Additionally using pressure sensors, level sensors and high band width data gathering the hydraulic system is monitored for transients that are consistent with early stage failures
Climate and the Timberline in the Appalachians

(1981). Climate and the Timberline in the Appalachians. Weatherwise: Vol. 34, No. 3, pp. 116-119.
Introduction to Smart Card Software

In this chapter, we introduce the concepts of smart card software development. We assume that you are familiar with application software development and that we need to cover here only the smart card specifics. We explain the distinction between the on-card and the off-card part of an application and we cover the interaction between both parts. We give an overview of the software development for both parts.
Structure of High-Angle Grain Boundaries in NiO

The atomic structures of lt;001gt; tilt grain boundaries (GB) in NiO have been studied by high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). Bicrystalline specimens grown by the Verneuil technique were examined for a range of misorientation angles.
Intubation Efficiency and Perceived Ease of Use of Video Laryngoscopy vs Direct Laryngoscopy While Wearing HazMat PPE: A Preliminary High-fidelity Mannequin Study.

Introduction Management of contaminated patients in the decontamination corridor requires the use of hazardous material (HazMat) personal protective equipment (PPE). Previous studies have demonstrated that HazMat PPE may increase the difficulty of airway management. This study compared the efficiency of video laryngoscopy (VL) with traditional direct laryngoscopy (DL) during endotracheal intubation (ETI) while wearing HazMat PPE. Methods Post-graduate year (PGY) 1-3 Emergency Medicine residents were randomized to VL or DL while wearing encapsulating PPE. Video laryngoscopy was performed using the GlideScope Cobalt AVL video laryngoscope. The primary outcome measure was time to successful ETI in a high-fidelity simulation mannequin. Three time points were utilized in the analysis: Time 0 (blade at lips), Time 1 (blade removed from lips after endotracheal tube placement), and Time 2 (bag valve mask [BVM] attached to endotracheal tube). Secondary outcome measures were perceived ease of use and feasibility of VL and DL ETI modalities. Results Twenty-one of 23 (91.3%) eligible residents participated. Mean time to ETI was 10.0 seconds (SD=5.3 seconds) in the DL group and 7.8 seconds (SD=3.0 seconds) in the VL group (P=.081). Mean times from blade insertion until BVM attachment were 17.4 seconds (SD=6.0 seconds) and 15.6 seconds (SD=4.6 seconds), respectively (P=.30). There were no unsuccessful intubation attempts. Seventeen out of 20 participants (85.0%) perceived VL to be easier to use when performing ETI in PPE. Twelve out of 20 participants (60%) perceived DL to be more feasible in an actual HazMat scenario. Conclusion The time to successful ETI was not significantly different between VL and DL. Video laryngoscopy had a greater perceived ease of use, but DL was perceived to be more feasible for use in actual HazMat situations. These findings suggest that both DL and VL are reasonable modalities for use in HazMat situations, and the choice of modality could be based on the clinical situation and provider experience. Aberle SJ , Sandefur BJ , Sunga KL , Campbell RL , Lohse CM , Alecastro Puls H , Laudon S , Sztajnkrycer MD . Intubation Efficiency and Perceived Ease of Use of Video Laryngoscopy vs Direct Laryngoscopy While Wearing HazMat PPE: A Preliminary High-fidelity Mannequin Study. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(3):1–5.
A green chapter in the book of life.

The sequencing of an entire plant genome is now complete. The information it contains provides an unparalleled resource for understanding the evolution of flowering plants and the genetics of crop plants.
Self-calibration of single-loop, closed kinematic chains formed by dual or redundant manipulators

A novel approach to identifying the kinematic models of redundant or dual manipulators without end-point sensing is presented. Starting from the observation that such manipulators can be made to form mobile closed kinematic chains, it is shown that these closed loops can be identified by an iterative-least-squares algorithm similar to that used in calibrating open-chain manipulators. Simulations have demonstrated that this technique is viable. The issue of the identifiability of the kinematic parameters of the closed loop is addressed. >
QUANTITATION OF ACUTE AND CHRONIC SERUM SICKNESS IN THE RABBIT

The amounts of BSA (immune complex) deposited in glomeruli of rabbits with acute and chronic serum sickness were determined using radio-labeled BSA and paired-label RSA. In animals with acute serum sickness and severe glomerulonephritis, about 18 µg of I*BSA were present in both kidneys after immune elimination (>99% of the circulating I*BSA). Visible with an immunofluorescent sensitivity of 0.25 µg per g of kidney, the I*BSA became rapidly undetectable and was presumably covered by deposits of circulating host anti-BSA and complement which increased demonstrably. In chronic serum sickness produced by daily injections of a quantity of BSA to balance antibody production, 0.04% of the daily dose of I*BSA was deposited in the glomeruli during the developmental stages of glomerulonephritis. Coincident with the onset of overt proteinuric glomerulonephritis, the daily I*BSA deposition, rate increased to about 0.5% of the daily dose. The half-disappearance rate of I*BSA from the kidney was about 5 days. Administration of huge excesses of BSA caused a fivefold increase in the half-disappearance rate. The accelerated I*BSA disappearance could be correlated with vanishing glomerular immunofluorescent deposits of BSA and immunoglobulin, as well as electron microscopic dense deposits; however, functional improvement of the disease was not observed. The roles of immune complex size, precipitating and nonprecipitating (total ABC) antibodies, and RES function in the development of chronic serum sickness glomerulonephritis are discussed.
Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions in Men Over 55

Whether psychosocial treatments work equally well for late middle-aged and older men and women is unknown. For this critical review, sixteen studies were identified that examined psychosocial treatments for psychopathology in men age 55 and older. The preponderance of evidence showed that treatments worked at least as well in men as in women. Six studies reported statistically significant treatment effects in exclusively male participants. Methodological problems include weak research designs, small sample size, and absence of indication of clinical significance. There continues to be a paucity of research addressing the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for late middle-aged and older men. Researchers are encouraged to include racially and ethnically diverse older men in carefully controlled studies that examine clinically significant change.
Green's function for a biaxial medium using a four-vector formalism

The rapid prototyping of antennas and complex media propagation environments has been aided by recent advances in material fabrication capabilities; such as, conductive-inkjet and 3D printing. These advances have prompted the need for alternative mathematical methods of analysis, which more easily accommodate anisotropic and bianisotropic media while providing greater physical insight. For example, casting Maxwell's equations into a compact six-vector formalism aides in the mathematical manipulation, and subsequent solution, of problems involving complex media (I.V. Lindell, A.H. Sihvola, and K. Suchy, J. of Electrom. Waves and Appl., 9, 7/8, 887–903, 1955). This formulation accommodates fully-populated material tensors (i.e., material tensors where all elements are non-zero); however, the analysis does lead to a block 3×3 matrix that requires inversion.
Are Haligonians Ricardian? A survey of households' saving response to the government's budget deficits

Abstract The Ricardian Equivalence Theory claims that an increase in government's budget deficit is exactly offset by an equivalent increase in current private saving, that people anticipate higher taxes in the future as a result of the present deficit, and save more now. This study surveys two random samples of households in Halifax, Canada, to investigate if they actually behave this way. The result of the survey suggests that people pay little attention to government's budget deficits in deciding their own savings. Economists tend to disregard results of questionnaire surveys on the ground that people may not be conscious of their decision process. Drawing from the psychology literature, this article argues that this objection does not apply to the key questions and responses in this survey.
Roton second sound and roton scattering

The theory of roton second sound in superfluid helium-4 is considered. We first derive the hydrodynamic equations which determine the motion of a pure roton gas. The collisions between rotons are assumed to conserve energy, momentum, and the number of rotons. The hydrodynamic equations without dissipative terms have the same form as the corresponding equations for an ordinary fluid. When lowest-order dissipative effects are included, it is found that there are some extra dissipative processes in addition to heat conduction and viscosity. We next consider modifications of the hydrodynamic equations which occur when the effects of collisions between rotons and phonons are included, and when there are some roton-roton collisions in which the roton number changes. It is found that at the temperatures and pressures where roton second sound has so far been observed, the wave motion is best described as isothermal second sound. We show that current experimental data indicate that in nearly all collisions between rotons (>99.97%) the total number of rotons is conserved.
Ca2+ Differentially Regulates Conventional Protein Kinase Cs’ Membrane Interaction and Activation

Abstract The regulation of conventional protein kinase Cs by Ca2+ was examined by determining how this cation affects the enzyme’s 1) membrane binding and catalytic function and 2) conformation. In the first part, we show that significantly lower concentrations of Ca2+ are required to effect half-maximal membrane binding than to half-maximally activate the enzyme. The disparity between binding and activation kinetics is most striking for protein kinase C βII, where the concentration of Ca2+promoting half-maximal membrane binding is approximately 40-fold higher than the apparent K m for Ca2+ for activation. In addition, the Ca2+ requirement for activation of protein kinase C βII is an order of magnitude greater than that for the alternatively spliced protein kinase C βI; these isozymes differ only in 50 amino acids at the carboxyl terminus, revealing that residues in the carboxyl terminus influence the enzyme’s Ca2+ regulation. In the second part, we use proteases as conformational probes to show that Ca2+dependent membrane binding and Ca2+-dependent activation involve two distinct sets of structural changes in protein kinase C βII. Three separate domains spanning the entire protein participate in these conformational changes, suggesting significant interdomain interactions. A highly localized hinge motion between the regulatory and catalytic halves of the protein accompanies membrane binding; release of the carboxyl terminus accompanies the low affinity membrane binding mediated by concentrations of Ca2+ too low to promote catalysis; and exposure of the amino-terminal pseudosubstrate and masking of the carboxyl terminus accompany catalysis. In summary, these data reveal that structural determinants unique to each isozyme of protein kinase C dictate the enzyme’s Ca2+-dependent affinity for acidic membranes and show that, surprisingly, some of these determinants are in the carboxyl terminus of the enzyme, distal from the Ca2+-binding site in the amino-terminal regulatory domain.
Exogenous CGRP Improves Coronary Microcirculation After Myocardial Reperfusion Associated with Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is known to have an extremely potent and prolonged vasodilator effect on the coronary arteries. Studies have shown that CGRP increased coronary blood flow and alleviated reperfusion injury in vitro. It is still unknown, however, whether exogenous CGRP has a protective effect on the reperfusion heart associated with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Methods: An in vivo porcine model of CPB was established. Twenty pigs, 10 controls and 10 CGRP used animals (CGRP group), were performed a median sternotomy followed by a standard CPB. All the hearts were arrested for 45 minutes. In the CGRP group, 1mg/kg CGRP was added into the cardioplegia, and another 1mg/kg was reperfused just before the aortic cross-clamp was removed. In both groups, myocardial microvascular perfusion, coronary arterial microvessel diameter and microvessel blood flow were detected by a laser doppler flowmeter and a contact microscope with TV monitor on five consecutive time perioperatively. Result: Myocardial microvascular perfusion was significantly higher and coronary arterial microvessel diameter was larger in the CGRP group on every point of time of reperfusion compared to those in the control group. In the CGRP group, microvessel blood flow also improved significantly than that in the control group during reperfusion. Conclusion: CGRP improves myocardial microcirculation during cardiac ischemia-reperfusion associated with CPB and could become a new, potent myocardial protector.
An investigation into the relationship of an aortic embolus to posterior paralysis in the cat

The syndrome of naturally occurring aortic embolism in the cat is described. Reference is made to the experimental work of Imhoff who found that ligation of the aorta did not affect locomotion and that paralysis depended on the presence of a blood clot in the aorta. The production of histamine and 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) by the platelets of a thrombus is then mentioned and the literature on the pharmacology of 5-HT is reviewed, the most important effect being the contraction of the smooth muscle of blood vessels. The author carried out experiments on forty-nine cats: he confirmed Imhoff's assertion that neither single nor double aortic ligation caused paralysis; injection of histamine into the space between the double ligatures caused no effect but when 5-HT was injected a syndrome similar to naturally occurring aortic embolism was produced. Resume. Description du syndrome d'embolie aortique de causes naturelles chez le chat. On cite le travail experimental d'Imhoff qui a trouve que la ligature de l'aorte n'affectait pas la locomotion et que la paralysie dependait de la presence d'un caillot sanguin dans l'aorte. Il est ensuite question de la production d'histamine et de 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT) par les plaquettes d'un thrombus et la documentation sur la pharmacologie de 5HT est passee en revue, l'effet le plus important eant la contraction des muscles lisses des vaisseaux sanguins. L'auteur a fait des experiences sur quarante-neuf chats: il a confirme l'affirmation d'Imhoff que ni la ligature aortique simple ni la ligature aortique double ne provoquait la paralysie; l'injection d'histamine dans l'espace entre les ligatures doubles n'avait aucun effet mais quand on injectait 5-HT, il se produisait un syndrome semblable a l'embolie aortique de causes naturelles. Zusammenfassung. Das Syndrom der naturlich auftretenden Aortenembolie bei der Katze wird beschrieben. Die Untersuchungen von Imhoff werden herangezogen, der feststellte, dass die Aortenligatur die Beweglichkeit nicht beeintrachtigte und dass Paralyse von der Anwesenheit eines Blutpfropfens in der Aorta abhing. Die Erzeugung von Histamin und 5-Hydroxytryptamin (5-HT) durch die Blutplattchen eines Thrombus wird dann envahnt und die Literatur uber die Pharmakologie von 5-HT betrachtet, wobei der wichtigste Effekt die Zusammenziehung der glatten Muskeln von Blutgefassen ist. Der Autor fuhrte Versuche mit 49 Katzen durch: er bestatigte Imhoffs Feststellung, dass weder eine einfache noch eine doppelte Aortenligatur Paralyse verursachte; die Injektion von Histamin in den Raum zwischen den beiden Verschluss-stellen bei Doppelligaturen hatte keine Wirkung, aber wenn 5-HT injiziert wurde, trat ein Syndrom ahnlich naturlich auftretender Aortenembolie auf.
Violent video games don't increase hostility in teens, but they do stress girls out

The impact of violent video games (VVGs) on youth remains unclear given inconsistent results in past literature. Most previous experimental studies have been done with college students, not youth. The current study examined the impact of VVGs in an experimental study of teens (12-18). Participants were randomized to play either a violent or non-violent video game. Teens also reported their levels of stress and hostility both before and after video game play. Hostility levels neither decreased nor increased following violent game play, and Bayesian analyzes confirmed that results are supportive of the null hypothesis. By contrast, VVG exposure increased stress, but only for girls. The impact of VVGs on teen hostility is minimal. However, players unfamiliar with such games may find them unpleasant. These results are put into the context of Uses and Gratifications Theory with suggestions for how medical professionals should address the issue of VVG play with concerned parents.
Identification of a collagen potentiated neurite promoting factor isolated from C6 glioma cells

The C6 glial cell line has been used as a model cell system for the investigation of new glial produced neurotrophic and neurotropic molecules. By using the C6 cell line grown in a defined medium on collagen, this laboratory has isolated a distinct neurite promoting factor (NPF) that is potentiated by the presence of collagen (CPNPF). We have observed that C6 cells cultured in a defined medium on collagen (rat type-I) slowed their growth rate and expressed an astrocytic- or oligodendrocytic-like morphology. CPNPF, at this state of purity, appears to be a distinct NPF which induces neurite outgrowth (neurites of 1 or more somal diameters) in PC12 cells. These neurite promotion effects, however, appear to support the neuron morphology for only a short period (4 days) of time without the presence of neurotrophic factor (NTF). The neurite promoting activity is ineffective in inducing neurite outgrowth using mouse neuroblastoma cells (neuro-2a). CPNPF appears to be a heat stable protein whose activity does not depend on the presence of intact collagen, heparin sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG), or chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG). Exposure to dissociative conditions results in a loss of neurite promoting activity. CPNPF is not a glycoprotein that contains an accessible alpha-D-mannopyranosyl, alpha-D-glucopyranosyl, or a sterically related residue (hydroxyl groups in the C-3,4, and 5 positions). Although these residues are not present on all glycoproteins, it does indicate that CPNPF is most likely not a glycoprotein. CPNPF activity is not blocked by neutralizing antibodies directed toward NGF, beta-FGF, IL-1 beta, IL-6, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 1.2, TGF-beta 3, TGF-beta 5, or EGF. CPNPF appears to either be oligomeric protein or a complex of proteins. On the basis of indirect evidence, it does not appear to be glial derived protease nexin-I. The alteration in morphology of the C6 glial cell line by serum-free conditions in the presence of collagen may have induced the production of a potentially new NPF not seen by previous investigators.
The measurement of mathematics anxiety: The mathematics anxiety rating scale for adolescents—MARS-A

Describes the Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale for Adolescents (MARS-A). Normative data on over 1,200 junior high and senior high students are reported. In addition, psychometric data that relate to reliability and construct validity for the MARS-A scale are discussed. Two factors were identified in the scale, a factor of numerical anxiety that appeared in 91% of the items and a factor of mathematics test anxiety that appeared in the remaining items. Results that show the association between high mathematics anxiety scale scores and low grade average in mathematics courses are reported on two samples of students.
Observations of chromium-oxide films containing cerium and yttrium using transmission electron microscopy

Samples of a pure Fe-26%Cr alloy were sputter-coated with a 4-nm layer of CeO2 or Y2O3, then oxidized at 900°C in 5×10−3 torr of oxygen. The oxide scale was removed from the substrate by dissolution of the alloy substrate in a solution of iodine in anhydrous methanol and examined in, a transmission electron microscope to determine the microstructure of the oxide and the phases present in the scale. the phases CeCrO3 (space group 62,Pnma and space group 221,\(Pm\bar 3m\)), YCrO3 (space group 62,Pnma), and Y2O3 (space group 164,\(P\bar 3m1\)) were found in the oxide scale in the initial stages of oxidation. The relevance of these species in the reactive-element effect is discussed.
Nursing Home Candidates: Hospital Inpatient Trial to Identify Those Appropriately Assignable to Less Intensive Care

Primary care physicians are often confronted with demands that elderly patients be institutionalized. Patients who appear to have no new medical problems present a therapeutic dilemma. Should they be admitted to a general hospital or should they be placed directly in a nursing home? This longitudinal prospective study involved 29 consecutive elderly patients judged to be in need of nursing home placement but who were without medical indications for admission. They were assessed and treated in a 30-bed ward of a general hospital. The mean length of stay was 19 days. Of the 29 patients, 8 (24 percent) benefited from the hospitalization; the outcome was placement and retention at a level of care less intensive than that in a nursing home. On admission to this special ward, the presence of 2 of the following 3 characteristics identified the patients who would benefit from this preplacement hospitalization (with 75 percent sensitivity and 86 percent specificity): 1) a score of A or B (Katz Scale) for activities of daily living; 2) a score of 3 or fewer errors on the mental status scale (Pfeiffer); and 3) the presence of family members willing to care for the patient, although unable to do so at the time of admission. These 3 factors constitute a screening tool to differentiate elderly patients who will benefit most under a regimen of intensive rehabilitation from those who will be inevitable recipients of long-term care.
Separation of cell enlargement and division in bean leaves

A method is presented for inducing cell enlargement in intact leaves and leaf strips of Phaseolus vulgaris L. without the complication of cell division. Primary bean leaves complete cell division and stop growing after 10 d in dim red light. Transfer to white light induces expansion (50% in 24 h) which is entirely the consequence of cell enlargement. Leaf strips from red-light-grown seedlings placed in white light and provided external solutes (10 mM KCl+10 mM sucrose) expand at the same rate as intact leaves in the light. This system makes possible future investigation of the mechanism of leaf cell enlargement.
Sequence homology near the center of the extrachromosomal rDNA palindrome in Tetrahymena.

The nucleotide sequence in the central region of the extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA palindrome of Tetrahymena pigmentosa has been determined. The sequence data show that 26 nucleotides at the very center are not palindromic. A segment of 34 base-pairs just outside the non-palindromic region is highly conserved between Tetrahymena pigmentosa and Tetrahymena thermophila, while the rest of the central regions show little sequence homology.
The Ryukyu Islands: Pawn of the Pacific*

The first territory to be returned to Japan by the United States since the 1945 surrender is a group of the Ryukyu Islands. This fact focuses attention on this strategically important archipelago extending from southernmost Japan to Formosa, although the Ryukyus have been at least on the periphery of Western attention for two centuries. The chief compulsions for American popular interest in the islands have been the Battle of Okinawa of World War II and, more recently, the best selling novel and Broadway hit, The Teahouse of the August Moon.This transitory and popular interest will undoubtedly give way to wider international attention in the next few years as the Japanese become more articulate in their criticism of the questionable grounds on which these islands were stripped from Japan Proper at the end of the war. Of further significance to political science is the fact that Okinawa, major island of the group, is (excepting only the Bonins) the last area of the world to remain under complete American military government control. The character of this nearly ten-year rule by the United States and its impact on a million people who have continually demanded “reversion” to Japan must inevitably be the subject of study of those interested in the confluence of cultures under conditions of sustained military government.
Infection control in soup kitchens and shelters.

This article explains one community's efforts to decrease infectious diseases in their community through a proactive approach among the homeless population. Due to the frequency with which the homeless population interfaces with other community members, it is time that infectious disease management
Fluorescent PLLA-nanodiamond composites for bone tissue engineering.

Superior mechanical properties, rich surface chemistry, and good biocompatibility of diamond nanoparticles make them attractive in biomaterial applications. A multifunctional fluorescent composite bone scaffold material has been produced utilizing a biodegradable polymer, poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), and octadecylamine-functionalized nanodiamond (ND-ODA). The uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer led to significant increase in hardness and Young’s modulus of the composites. Addition of 10%wt of ND-ODA resulted in more than 200% increase in Young’s modulus and 800% increase in hardness, bringing the nanocomposite properties close to that of the human cortical bone. Testing of ND-ODA/PLLA as a matrix supporting murine osteoblast (7F2) cell growth for up to 1 week showed that the addition of ND-ODA had no negative effects on cell proliferation. ND-ODA serves as a multifunctional additive providing improved mechanical properties, bright fluorescence, and options for drug loading and delivery via surface modification. Thus ND-ODA/PLLA composites open up numerous avenues for their use as components of bone scaffolds and smart surgical tools such as fixation devices in musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Intense fluorescence of ND-ODA/PLLA scaffolds can be used to monitor bone re-growth replacing the implant in vivo.