cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning, expression, and purification of glyoxysomal 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase from sunflower cotyledons.

Abstract The glyoxysomal β-oxidation system in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cotyledons is distinguished by the coexistence of two different thiolase isoforms, thiolase I and II. So far, this phenomenon has only been described for glyoxysomes from sunflower cotyledons. Thiolase I (acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, EC 2.3.1.9) recognizes acetoacetyl-CoA only, while thiolase II (3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase, EC 2.3.1.16) exhibits a more broad substrate specificity towards 3-oxoacyl-CoA esters of different chain length. Here, we report on the cloning of thiolase II from sunflower cotyledons. The known DNA sequence of Cucumis sativus 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase was used to generate primers for cloning the corresponding thiolase from sunflower cotyledons. RT-PCR was then used to generate an internal fragment of the sunflower thiolase gene and the termini were isolated using 5′- and 3′-RACE. Full-length cDNA was generated using RT-PCR with sunflower thiolase-specific primers flanking the coding region. The resultant gene encodes a thiolase sharing at least 80% identity with other plant thiolases at the amino acid level. The recombinant sunflower thiolase II was expressed in a bacterial system in an active form and purified to apparent homogeneity in a single step using Ni–NTA agarose chromatography. The enzyme was purified 53.4-fold and had a specific activity of 235 nkat/mg protein. Pooled fractions from the Ni–NTA column resulted in an 83% yield of active enzyme to be used for further characterization.
How Database‐Driven Web Sites Enhance Accessibility

Purpose – This article provides an update on “web accessibility” issues.Design/methodology/approach – Provides background information on currently applicable accessibility standards and offers a framework for exploring issues and highlighting potential pathways for success.Findings – This article provides an overview of how a database driven approach to web development can help address significant technical challenges related to providing universal information access.Originality/value – This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of database driven approach to web development.
Correlations of spin currents through a quantum dot induced by the Kondo effect

We study correlations of spin currents flowing through a Coulomb blockaded quantum dot. While vanishing for elastic co-tunneling, these correlations develop as the quantum dot enters the Kondo regime. They are a manifestation of Kondo physics in quantum dots. We demonstrate that the spin current correlator is non-perturbative in the Kondo coupling.
Preclinical pharmacokinetic, toxicological and biomarker evaluation of SR16157, a novel dual-acting steroid sulfatase inhibitor and selective estrogen receptor modulator

SR16157 is a novel dual-acting inhibitor of estrogen action that irreversibly inhibits the estrogen biosynthetic enzyme steroid sulfatase (STS) and releases the selective estrogen receptor modulator SR16137, which blocks the estrogen receptor. SR16157 is a promising agent for the endocrine therapy of breast cancer. We conducted preclinical in vivo toxicity evaluations to determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), target organ(s) of toxicity, reversibility, dose-limiting toxicity, no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL), and toxicokinetics (TK) and to investigate a potential biomarker for use in SR16157 clinical trials. SR16157 was administered to female Fischer 344 rats or beagle dogs by oral gavage (po) or capsule. Intravenous (iv) groups were included for the determination of bioavailability. Endpoints evaluated included clinical observations, body weights, hematology, serum chemistry, pharmacokinetics, TK, pathology of tissues, and STS activity in liver, or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). For rats, the MTD (i.e., the highest dose that did not cause lethality but produced toxicity) was 33 mg/kg/day (198 mg/m2/day), and the NOAEL was <10 mg/kg/day (60 mg/m2/day). For dogs, the MTD was estimated to exceed 10 mg/kg/day (200 mg/m2/day), and the NOAEL was estimated to be at or above 2.5 mg/kg/day (50 mg/m2/day). Our studies demonstrate that SR16157 has excellent pharmacokinetic properties and an acceptable toxicological profile. Modulation of STS activity in PBMCs appeared to be a possible biomarker for use in future clinical trials of SR16157.
Metabolic and behavioral responses in pre-weanling rats following alteration of maternal diet

Abstract In rat pups, blockade of fatty acid oxidation by administration of 2-mercaptoacetate (MA) produces an increase in independent ingestion by 12 days of age. In contrast, administration of methyl palmoxirate (MP) fails to increase intake or to alter oxidation of fatty acids in young rats due to the high proportion of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) in rat milk. In the present experiments, the composition of rat milk was altered by placing dams on a high fat (HF) diet to examine the development of ingestive responding in rat pups following administration of MP. Following delivery of MP (0.5–10 mg/kg), pups were placed in a cage inside an incubator for 1, 3, or 6 h, and then received an intake test consuming a commercial half-and-half milk diet from the floor of test containers. Blood was collected from additional groups of pups for measurement of β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA) and glucose levels. The results demonstrated that administration of MP produced significant reductions in βHBA levels after 3 h in 12- and 15-day-old pups, but behavioral responses were noted only in pups aged 15 days. Similar results were obtained following administration of MA to pups reared by dams on HF diets; physiological responses were observed at 12 and 15 days of age, but behavioral responses were not observed after administration of MA until 15 days of age. Taken together, these results suggest that (1) changes in fatty acid oxidation may represent an early metabolic signal that can influence intake in rat pups and (2) alteration of the dam's diet produces physiological and behavioral changes in the pups.
The effect of tin on the susceptibility of a Cu–Al alloy to cracking in mercury

Abstract The addition of 2wt.%Sn to a Cu–4.5wt.%Al alloy is shown to increase the susceptibility to embrittlement by liquid mercury. The Cu–Al–Sn alloy is more susceptible in the slowly cooled condition than in the solution-treated and quenched condition. This would be consistent with the idea that tin tends to segregate to grain boundaries in this alloy and to enhance their decohesion in mercury.
The effect of chromate on citrinin-induced renal dysfunction in the rat.

Abstract Previous studies in this laboratory revealed an effect of chromate to potentiate the nephrotoxic effects of mercuric ion. Citrinin, an organic anion, is a known nephrotoxin. The present study was undertaken to assess the possible interaction of chromate and citrinin on renal function. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in metabolism cages and injected with citrinin (35 mg/kg), chromate (10 mg/kg) or the combination. The combination of neprhotoxicants caused an increased excretion of urine greater than the sum of the individual responses. A similar response was observed with urinary glucose concentrations and glucose excretion without changes in blood glucose levels. These data indicate that chromate can potentiate the nephrotoxic action of citrinin in the rat.
Intratumoral injection of lipopolysaccharide causes regression of subcutaneously implanted mouse glioblastoma multiforme.

OBJECTIVE Anecdotal reports documented extended survival times for patients who developed infections at the site of resection of malignant gliomas. Hypothesized mechanisms for this phenomenon include immune responses triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This investigation assessed whether LPS could produce tumor regression in an in vivo model of malignant glioma. METHODS Delayed brain tumor cells (2 x 10(6)) were injected subcutaneously into female BALB/c mice. LPS (300-500 microg) was injected intratumorally or subcutaneously at a contralateral site on Days 10, 17, and 24. Control animals received phosphate-buffered saline intratumorally or subcutaneously. Mice were killed on Day 28, and tumors were removed. Mean tumor masses for control animals and the two LPS-treated groups (intratumoral or contralateral subcutaneous treatment) were compared. Histological assessments of treated and control tumors were performed. RESULTS Complete or nearly total tumor regression was achieved in all 20 mice with subcutaneous delayed brain tumor cell tumors treated intratumorally with 400 microg of LPS (mean tumor mass of 0.09 +/- 0.38 g versus 2.42 +/- 2.46 g for control animals, P < 0.0001). Intratumoral administration of 300 microg of LPS or subcutaneous injection of 300 or 400 microg of LPS at a contralateral site resulted in less consistent regression of subcutaneous tumors. Administration of 500 microg of LPS resulted in tumor regression similar to that observed with lower doses but was limited by treatment-related deaths in 40% of animals. Histological assessment revealed lymphocytic infiltration of LPS-treated tumors. CONCLUSION Intratumoral injections of LPS caused dramatic regression of subcutaneously implanted delayed brain tumor cell mouse gliomas. Investigation of this antitumoral effect may improve treatment responses for patients with malignant gliomas.
Vascular Distribution Patterns in Monochorionic Twin Placentas

Several recent publications have focused on the association between the occurrence of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) in diamniotic-monochorionic twins and the presence of a number of selected anatomic placental characteristics (distribution of vascular territory, cord insertion, type and number of inter-twin anastomoses). In contrast, the potential importance of the vascular distribution patterns of the individual twins remains to be elucidated. Based on its gross architectural distribution pattern, chorionic vasculature is traditionally described as disperse, magistral or mixed. The aim of this study was (1) to determine the relative prevalence of these vascular distribution patterns in monochorionic twin placentas, and (2) to correlate these patterns with the presence of TTTS and known anatomic placental features linked to TTTS. The placentas of 89 consecutive diamniotic-monochorionic twins (15 with TTTS, 74 without TTTS), examined at Women and Infants Hospital, were studied. Disperse vascular patterns were seen in 53% of twins, and magistral or mixed patterns in 47%. The prevalence of magistral/mixed vascular patterns was significantly higher in TTTS gestations than in non-TTTS gestations (60% versus 44%, P<0.05) and, in TTTS gestations, much higher in donor twins than in recipient twins (87% versus 33%, P<0.005). A strong association was found between the presence of magistral/mixed patterns and marginal/velamentous cord insertion, low number of inter-twin anastomoses, and uneven distribution of the vascular territories. These findings suggest that the magistral/mixed vascular distribution pattern may represent an important placental architectural feature contributing to the complex pathophysiology of TTTS.
Lung turns to AA (adenosine analogues) to dry out.

Adenosine helps maintain proper fluid levels in the lung alveoli. The findings have implications for treatment of fluid buildup in the lung.
Early cercopithecid monkeys from the Tugen Hills, Kenya

The modern Old World Monkeys (Superfamily Cercopithecoidea, Family Cercopithecidae) can be traced back into the late Miocene, but their origin and subsequent diversification is obscured by the scarcity of terrestrial fossil sites in Africa between 15 and 6 Ma. Here, we document the presence of cercopithecids at 12.5 Ma in the Tugen Hills of Kenya. These fossils add 3 My to the known antiquity of crown Cercopithecidae. The two specimens represent one or possibly two species of early colobine, and their morphology suggests that they were less folivorous than their modern relatives.
Differential expression of stress response genes in the H-Tx rat model of congenital hydrocephalus.

cDNA rat stress microarrays were used to test the general hypothesis that atypical gene expression patterns exist in the brains of Hydrocephalic-Texas (H-Tx) compared to normal Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats on embryonic day 18. Sixty-two percent of the 216 target transcripts were detected in at least 2 of 3 replicates, with maximum mean fold change (MFC) ratios (H-Tx:SD) in Bcl-2-related ovarian killer protein (BOK, 3.07) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α, 0.04). Five (3.73%) of the 134 detected transcripts were elevated and 20 (17.2%) were suppressed more than twofold in H-Tx. MFC ratios for stress response, cytoskeleton-motility, and intracellular transducer–effector–modulator functional classifications were elevated, while MFC ratios for transcription and apoptosis groups were suppressed in H-Tx. K-means clustering revealed several patterns of gene expression with potential biological relevance in apoptosis, intracellular transducer–effector–modulator, metabolism, cell cycle, and stress response transcripts. Multiplex RT-PCR methodology, used to corroborate the cDNA data, captured four distinct temporal expression patterns on embryonic days 16–20 (E16–E20) for HSP27, DnaJ2, HSP47, HSP60, HSP70, HIP, HSP90A, and HSP90β. The discovery of unique chaperone/heat shock expression profiles in the embryonic brains of H-Tx and SD rats is a powerful step towards the development of novel mechanistic hypotheses in the study of hydrocephalus disorders. This is the first study to associate early stress responses with the differential expression of chaperones/heat shock protein-related genes using the H-Tx model of congenital hydrocephalus.
Monoamine effects on neuronal recovery cycles in globus pallidus, caudate nucleus, and substantia nigra

In freely moving rats, averaged evoked potentials (AAER) to paired click stimuli delivered at varying interstimulus intervals were recorded with semi-microelectrodes simultaneously in globus pallidus (GP), caudate nucleus (CN), and substantia nigra (SN). The effects of intrapentoneal injection of reserpine and L-Dopa on the neuronal recovery cycles were studied. The results indicate that these drugs have different effects in the various structures. The major difference is a lack of effect in SN in contrast to substantial effects in GP and CN. This finding is compatible with the hypothesis that monoamines may be synthesized in SN but exert their major pharmacological action in the GP and CN.
Cardiopulmonary perfomances in young children and adolescents born with large abdominal wall defects

Abstract Background/Purpose: As long as the survival rate of patients with abdominal wall defects (AWD) increases, information about long-term follow-up is becoming necessary. Even though quality of life in these patients, in absence of associated anomalies, appears to be unaffected, respiratory impairment soon after birth has been documented; therefore, participation in sports rarely is addressed. Methods: Eighteen patients, ranging in age from 7 to 18 years, operated on at birth for large abdominal wall defects (> 4 cm for gastroschisis; >6 cm for omphalocele) were asked to come for a stress test on a treadmill, with measurements of time of exercise (TE), maximal oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) and continuous recording of vital parameters. Respiratory function also was assessed by Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). Results: Ergometric data were compared with those of a normal pediatric population. All patients were able to perform the stress test with no cardiovascular abnormalities detected at rest or on exertion. Maximum heart rate was reached after a significantly shorter TE, and VO 2 max was significantly reduced when comparing normal subjects with AWD subjects and AWD subjects in sports with those sedentary. FVC was only slightly reduced in AWD patients without reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: These findings indicate that patients operated on for AWD at birth exhibit a normal cardiorespiratory function; decreased TE and VO 2 max are likely to reflect a lack of physical activity with a lower degree of fitness. Therefore, no limitations to motor performances should exist for these patients. Well-being may be greatly improved by regular exercise. J Pediatr Surg 38:478-481. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Detectability of a luminance increment

The psychometric function for the detection of a foveal luminance increment was studied in human observers. The signal to be detected was a modulation of a 1300 cd/m2 6′ circular red target. For an ideal photodetector, the theory of signal detectability predicts that d′, the index of detectability, should rise linearly with the luminance, E, of the luminance increment unless the observer has some uncertainty concerning the parameters of the signal to be detected. Uncertainty is expressed by the parameter M that indicates the number of orthogonal signals possible. If M is greater than 1.0, (d′)2 = ln {1 − 1/M +(1/M) exp(E2/N2)} where N2 is the variance of the noise that obscures the signal. In addition, the theory predicts that the slope of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC curve) should decrease with increasing M. In one experiment, in which E was varied, a nonlinear psychometric function and an ROC curve of relatively low slope were found. In another experiment that included a pulsed background (pedestal) whether or not the signal was presented, the predicted linear M = 1 psychometric function was found. Finally, the ROC slope that was measured in rating experiments increased when the pedestal was used. Presumably, the pedestal provides the signal-parameter information that the observer could not remember. We conclude that the human observer acts like an ideal photodetector that has imperfect memory concerning the signal to be detected.
Reoperation for thymoma: Report of 23 cases☆

Abstract Twenty-three patients underwent reoperation for thymoma at intervals of 2 months to 17 years 10 months after the initial operation. There were no operative or hospital deaths. Myasthenia gravis occurred in 12 patients, but in only 2 was it a determinant for reoperation. The longest survival after reoperation is 12 years 9 months, and that patient is free from tumor. Four distinct surgical groups emerged, and their recognition provides an improved method of reporting and suggests a strategy for better overall management. Group 1 (n = 5) had completion of thymectomy (reoperation) after thymomectomy alone or after incomplete thymectomy. The interval was 2 months to 17 years 10 months. All 5 had myasthenia gravis. At reoperation, thymomas were found in 3 and a hyperplastic thymus in 2. Four are alive and tumor free 2 years to 8 years 2 months after reopetation. One died tumor free after 5 years. Group 2 (n = 8) had reoperation for recurrent thymoma after standard (presumably complete) resection. The interval was 2 years to 13 1 / 2 years. Four had myasthenia gravis. Four are alive 8 months to 5 years 8 months after reoperation, 3 without detectable tumor. Four died 3 years 3 months to 8 years 4 months after reoperation, 3 free from tumor. Group 3 (n = 8) underwent reoperation for initially unresectable thymoma after adjuvant treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or both. The interval was 3 months to 4 years 8 months. Three had myasthenia gravis. Six are alive 4 months to 4 years after reoperation, only 1 with tumor. Two died 1 year 5 months and 6 1 / 2 years after reoperation, both with tumor. Group 4 (n = 2) underwent reoperation for miscellaneous reasons. The interval was 2 months and 3 1 / 2 years. Neither had myasthenia gravis. One had thymoma at reoperation and is alive, tumor free, 12 years 9 months postoperatively. The other, reoperated on for a mediastinal mass at 3 1 / 2 years, had metastatic breast cancer, not thymoma. Reoperation for thymoma can be followed by prolonged tumor-free survival. Thymomectomy alone or incomplete thymectomy should be abandoned. Recurrent thymoma is most often limited to the thorax, thus facilitating reoperation. The response of initially inoperable thymoma to adjuvant therapy favors subsequent reoperation. Slow growth and late appearance of recurrence necessitate lifelong follow-up. Myasthenia gravis, when present, had no deleterious effect on operation.
Effects of Nicotine on Spinal Cord Injury Pain Vary Among Subtypes of Pain and Smoking Status: Results From a Randomized, Controlled Experiment

Abstract Smoking has been associated with increased pain severity in general chronic pain populations. Less is known about the effects of smoking and nicotine on the multifaceted and often complex subtypes of pain that frequently occur following spinal cord injury (SCI). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of nicotine on self-reported pain among individuals with SCI and to determine if the effect of nicotine varied by pain subtype. A randomized, placebo-controlled crossover design was used to determine the effect of nicotine exposure on subtypes of SCI-related pain among smokers and nonsmokers. A complex relationship emerged, such that the degree of reported pain with exposure to 2 mg of nicotine compared to placebo varied according to pain type and smoking status of the subject. Pain sites that had characteristics of both neuropathic and musculoskeletal symptoms (deemed complex neuropathic pain sites) exhibited pain reduction after nicotine exposure in nonsmokers. In sharp contrast, smokers with this form of pain exhibited an increase in pain severity. Data were also examined descriptively to determine potentially unique factors associated with complex neuropathic pain that may explain trends associated with clinically relevant changes following nicotine exposure. In sum, smoking or tobacco use history may determine the analgesic (or enhanced pain perception) effect of nicotine on post-SCI pain. Perspective Pain characterized by both neuropathic and musculoskeletal symptoms decreased in severity after nicotine exposure in nonsmokers with SCI but increased in severity among smokers with SCI. The analgesic (or enhanced nociceptive) effect of nicotine may depend on tobacco use history.
Effects in vivo of lymphoma ascites tumors and procarbazine, alone and in combination, upon hepatic drugmetabolizing enzymes of mice

Abstract Studies have been conducted on hepatic microsomal enzymes after treatment of two strains of male mice, BDF 1 and DBA/2J, each with a single dose (300 mg/kg body weight) of procarbazine (PCZ) hydrochloride alone or in combination with a 6- to 7-day prior implantation of murine leukemic lymphoma L5178Y ascites cells. Mice were sacrificed at 4, 8 or 16 hr after i.p. injection of PCZ and found to possess levels of microsomal aniline hydroxylase, ethylmorphine N -demethylase, nitrobenzoate reductase activities and cytochrome P-450 content which were depressed to 78, 76, 54 and 61 per cent of untreated controls, respectively, for BDF 1 mice and 61, 51, 39 and 51 per cent of untreated controls, respectively, for DBA/2J mice. Mice implanted with lymphoma cells and sacrificed 6–7 days later without PCZ treatment had hepatic microsomal enzyme activity levels which were depressed to about the same extent as those receiving PCZ treatment only. PCZ treatment 6–7 days after lymphoma implantation caused severe depression of microsomal enzyme activities in both mouse strains. The maximum depressions expressed as per cent of untreated controls were: cytochrome P-450, 33 per cent; aniline hydroxylase, 32 per cent; ethylmorphine N -demethylase, 33 per cent; and nitrobenzoate reductase, 33 per cent. As a possible explanation for the PCZ effects, it is proposed that PCZ is serving as a tightly bound competitive substrate to cytochrome P-450-related enzyme systems.
Transfer and storage of vibrational energy in liquids: Liquid carbon monoxide and its solutions with argon

Abstract Liquid carbon monoxide and its solutions with argon in a five order of magnitude concentration range were vibrationally excited by pumping with a blackbody source. Infrared fluorescence decay from the excited carbon monoxide was used to explore the storage and transfer of vibrational energy in this system. In the limit of the infinitely dilute solution the storage time, 18 ms, is determined by IR spontaneous emission. For concentrations in the range 0.01–1 mole % this radiation tends to be trapped by CO self-absorption and the lifetime of the vibrational excitation lengthens. We apply a simple model to interpret this lifetime behavior. Neat carbon monoxide stores vibrational energy for 1 s. Here radiation trapping is so effective that vibrational energy is lost essentially by non-radiative processes. The 1 s lifetime allows a useful limit to be placed on the vibration to translation and rotation rate of relaxation of excited CO by its neighbors.
021 Reducing OverPOPulation: Achieving More By Doing Less

Background Too-frequent screening for cervical cancer can increase costs, lead to unnecessary invasive procedures associated with overtreatment, and shift resources away from the one in five women who do not receive recommended routine screening. Context A large, US-based integrated healthcare system with centralised evidence services and eight independent regions developed and implemented an evidence-based guideline for cervical cancer screening. Novel implementation strategies and performance monitoring in one region in Southern California led to significant improvements and are described below. Description of Best Practice Graded evidence summaries were conducted by a centralised analytic unit, and recommendations developed by a guideline team with representation from each region. In one large region with more than 3 million patients, interventions aimed at the practitioner, patient and systems levels were implemented for routine Pap and HPV co-testing. Practitioner interventions included electronic distribution of guidelines, point-of-care electronic prompts, and workflow support. Patient-level interventions included point-of-care education, and in-reach/outreach activities. System-level interventions focused on centralised patient outreach letters and reminder calls, computerised decision support, and unscreened cancer lists for panel management. Monthly performance monitoring on a measure of “overpopulation” was reported at medical centre, department and provider levels. In a five-year period, over 100,000 fewer unnecessary Pap tests were performed, while screening rates increased by 7%. Lessons for Guideline Developers, Adaptors, Implementers, and/or Users Centralised guideline development, coupled with coordinated implementation and performance monitoring, can reduce unnecessary screening and invasive procedures, focus resources on appropriate routine screening in underscreened populations, improve patient access and reduce costs.
Development of an Objective Scoring Method for the Kinetic Family Drawing

Summary Current research on the Family Drawing Test and the Kinetic Family Drawing was reviewed. An objective scoring method for the Kinetic Family Drawing was constructed and predictive equations for (a) manifest anxiety, (b) general self-concept, (c) school and academic self-concept, (d) social and peer self-concept, (e) aggressive behavior, (f) withdrawal behavior, and (g) hostile isolationary behavior were presented.
Technology, commodity chains and global inequality: South Korea in the 1990s

Recent conceptualizations of international economic restructuring and'global commodity chains’ offer an opportunity to rethink the role of technology in the world-system and its role in generating global inequality. This article attempts to untangle the complex relationship between technological innovation/application/transfer and differential patterns of socioeconomic growth and development. After reviewing key theoretical debates about the nature of global economic'restructuring’, I discuss the recent experience of South Korea, where planners and policy makers are acutely aware of the need to develop indigenous science and technology capabilities. Drawing on secondary sources as well as interviews with government officials, academic experts and corporate engineers, I argue that even the seemingly'hi-tech’ South Korean economy is characterized by technological dependence. The ultimate success of Korean efforts to promote'industrial upgrading’, market directly to lucrative world markets, and join the rank...
Quakerism and the end of the Interregnum: a Chapter in the Domestication of Radical Puritanism

In that fantastic decade from 1650 to 1660, English saints of every persuasion strove frantically to make the rule of the Lord on earth a political reality. Imbued with a lively apocalyptic hope and enjoying the driving enthusiasm of nascent religions, the left-wing Puritan sects sought to build in England a holy commonwealth that would prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. With the failure of the Barebone Parliament, their most promising opportunity passed by unrealized, but throughout the remainder of the Interregnum, Independents, Baptists, Fifth-Monarchy Men, and various mystical sects continued without abatement their endeavors to transform England into Zion.
Increasing Awareness of Multicultural Nutrition Education Resources Available to The Head Start Program

Abstract Federal Law mandates that nutrition delivery systems in the Head Start Program provide nourishing meals for enrolled preschoolers. In addition, nutrition education opportunities for the children, their families, and staff are required. Since diversity is a core value of the program, multicultural education is espoused. While the service of ethnically diverse foods at mealtimes has traditionally supported multicultural education in Head Start, classroom nutrition education activities have been less supportive. Since a multitude of early childhood teaching resources which target the food and culture connection are available, an initiative to increase Head Start Nutrition Coordinator awareness of their availability was initiated in an eight-state area. Methodology included compiling a listing of age-appropriate materials and teaching ideas relevant for teaching the concept of cultural diversity through food and nutrition. The listing is being disseminated to Nutrition Coordinators by either cluster training or in conjunction with video teleconferencing. The Coordinators are charged with subsequently training their respective teaching staffs in the rationale for multicultural nutrition education as well as use of the resource listing. To date, the training has been conducted in four states. Workshop evaluations have routinely rated the session "Very useful," with "new information presented." Follow-up assessment methodology will examine the ability of participants to cite examples of multicultural nutrition education activities at their programs which were initiated as a result of their involvement in the initiative.
Experimental Investigation of the Trailing Edge Noise Mechanism

An experimental investigation has been conducted to understand the physical mechanism of noise generation from a turbulent wall jet discharging over a flat plate and interacting with its sharp trailing edge. An aspect ratio 10 rectangular nozzle was used to provide the wall jet. Measurements made consist of farfield noise, surface pressure fluctuations, turbulent velocity fluctuations, and two-point space-time cross-correlations among these quantities. Results are presented which suggest strongly that the generation mechanism is the interaction of the convecting large scale quasi-orderly disturbance in the upper free shear layer of the wall jet with the trailing edge. The interaction also excites large scale strong vortical motion in the trailing edge wake. The dominant part of the sound field is highly coherent and in phase opposition across the trailing edge.
Ocean water vapor and cloud liquid water trends from 1992 to 2005 TOPEX Microwave Radiometer data

[1] The continuous 1992–2005 data set of the TOPEX Microwave Radiometer (TMR) has been reprocessed to provide global, zonal, and regional scale histories of overocean integrated water vapor (IWV) and cloud liquid water (CLW). Results indicate well-defined trends in IWVon global and hemisphere scales, with values of 1.8 ± 0.4%/decade (60S– 60N), 2.4 ± 0.4%/decade (0–60N), and 1.0 ± 0.5%/decade (0–60S). The uncertainties represent 1 standard deviation of the regressed slope parameter adjusted for lag 1 autocorrelation. These results are comparable to earlier results based on analyses of the multiinstrument SSM/I ocean measurements beginning in 1988. For the 1992–2005 interval, comparisons between SSM/I- and TMR-derived IWV trends show remarkable agreement, with global trends differing by less than 0.3%/decade, comparable to the statistical uncertainty level and about one-sixth of the global TMR-derived trend. Latitudinal and regional analyses of IWV trends show large variability about the global mean, with synoptic scale variations of IWV trends ranging from �� 8 to +8%/decade. Averaged over 5 latitude bands the IWV trends reveal a near zero minimum in the Southern Tropical Pacific and maximum values of � 4%/decade over the 30–40N latitude band. Comparisons with band latitude averaged SST data over the same 1992–2005 interval roughly match a delta_IWV/delta_SST trend scaling of � 11%/K, consistent with previouslyobservedtropicalandmidlatitudeseasonalvariability.TMR-derivedCLWtrends are fractionally comparable to the IWV trends. The CLW values are 1.5 ± 0.6%/decade (60S–60N),2.0±0.8%/decade(0–60N),and1.1±0.8%/decade(0–60S).Whenscaled to global mean CLW derived from SSM/I and compared seasonally, the TMR CLW variations exhibit excellent tracking with the SSM/I results. Unlike IWV, however, the CLW statistical uncertainties do not likely reflect the dominant error component in the retrieved trends. The 1992–2005 CLW trend estimates were particularly sensitive to shortterm trends in the first and last 2 years of the TMR archive. Additional errors difficult to quantify include strong aliasing effects from precipitation cells and uncertainties in the radiative transfer models utilized in the generation of the TMR CLW algorithm.
Computational experiments with a class of dynamic programming algorithms of higher dimensions

Abstract Although the limiting effects of the curse of dimensionality can be quite prohibitive in dynamic programming of higher dimensions, a number of algorithms have nevertheless been developed to ameliorate these problems. Widespread use of these algorithms has nevertheless not been experienced, primarily because users are unaware of them or find them difficult to implement. This paper continues a previous effort to study and present a didactic treatment of these algorithms via a sample of illustrative problems where their computational properties can be exemplified.
Measurement of Changes in Membrane Surface Morphology Associated with Exocytosis Using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

The extent that vesicles maintain a distinct identity and morphology after fusing with the plasma membrane is controversial. We used scanning ion conductance microscopy to image changes in the surface membrane of adrenal chromaffin cells after stimulation of exocytosis with a high K+ solution. Within several minutes after stimulation, punctate depressions, 100–600 nm wide, were noted from 16% of the cells. The depressions were not randomly distributed, but appeared in clusters of two or more within a ∼1 μm2 area and disappeared after several minutes. Increases in membrane surface area, consistent with the fusion and collapse of one or more vesicles into the surface membrane, were observed in 64% of the cells after high K+ stimulation. Surface area increases did not occur if the high K+ solution did not contain Ca2+. We conclude that scanning ion conductance microscopy can be used to follow the time course of surface membrane changes resulting from exocytosis and endocytosis.
Stability and Convergence Rate of Twisting Algorithm

Abstract The paper deals with Twisting Algorithms intended for sliding mode control design with continuous control actions. Necessary and sufficient stability conditions are shown. Finite time convergence of the system with disturbances is proven based on the homogeneity principles. The convergence time is evaluated.
Substantive Positivism and the Idea of Crime

Efforts to construct theories of crime consistent with a priori principles typically prove unsatisfactory. Awareness of this fact led the early positivists to reject choice theories in favor of dis...
Differential effects of ω-conotoxin GVIA and MVIIC on nerve stimulation induced contractions of guinea-pig ileum and rat vas deferens

Abstract ω-Conotoxin GVIA and ω-conotoxin MVIIC caused similar concentration-dependent reductions of the electrically induced twitch responses of guinea-pig ileum. The inhibitory effects of ω-conotoxin GVIA were long-lasting whereas those to ω-conotoxin MVIIC were readily reversed. Preincubation with ω-conotoxin MVIIC prevented the irreversible inhibition of ω-conotoxin GVIA suggesting a common site of interaction. However, unlike ω-conotoxin GVIA which caused inhibition, ω-conotoxin MVIIC did not affect the electrically induced twitch responses of the rat vas deferens nor did it prevent the irreversible inhibition with ω-conotoxin GVIA. This study indicates the possible existence of different subtypes of the N-type voltage-dependent calcium channel.
Inferring tracklets for multi-object tracking

Recent work on multi-object tracking has shown the promise of tracklet-based methods. In this work we present a method which infers tracklets then groups them into tracks. It overcomes some of the disadvantages of existing methods, such as the use of heuristics or non-realistic constraints. The main idea is to formulate the data association problem as inference in a set of Bayesian networks. This avoids exhaustive evaluation of data association hypotheses, provides a confidence estimate of the solution, and handles split-merge observations. Consistency of motion and appearance is the driving force behind finding the MAP data association estimate. The computed tracklets are then used in a complete multi-object tracking algorithm, which is evaluated on a vehicle tracking task in an aerial surveillance context. Very good performance is achieved on challenging video sequences. Track fragmentation is nearly non-existent, and false alarm rates are low.
The longitudinal effects of depression on physical activity.

Abstract Objectives It has been posited that depression and sedentary lifestyle have bidirectional relationships. Although the role of baseline physical activity as a risk factor for emerging depression has been recently reviewed, there has been no systematic review of the literature to assess the reverse relationship. We reviewed the results of longitudinal studies in the world's literature that have studied the effect of baseline depression on ensuing levels of physical activity. Measures MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINHAL Plus, Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition and Cochrane databases were searched from 1959 to 2008 with a focus on depression, sedentary lifestyle and exercise. Published longitudinal studies in English and more than 100 patients were included. Results Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria, eight of which reported that baseline depression was significantly associated with subsequent sedentary lifestyle or poor adherence to the physical exercise regimens recommended by physicians after a coronary event. However, the studies used different depression scales and physical activity outcome measures, and varied a great deal in the range of potential confounders they controlled for. In addition, there were only three studies that were specifically designed to assess the role of baseline depression on the subsequent level of physical activity. Conclusions Baseline depression may be a significant risk factor for development of sedentary lifestyle or decreased level of physical exercise. Future studies should examine mechanisms by which depression may lead to decline in activity.
Embodied health: the effects of a mind–body course for medical students

Objective: An effective career in medicine requires empathy and compassion, yet the demands of a medical education increase stress and decrease students’ ability to connect with patients. However, research suggests mind-body practices improve psychological well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological effects on medical students of an 11-week elective course, Embodied Health or EH, which combines yoga and meditation with neuroscience didactics. Methods: The effects on 27 first- and second-year medical students were evaluated via surveys in four areas: empathy, perceived stress, self-regulation, and self-compassion. Scales used were 1. Jefferson Scale of Physician Empathy, which measures empathy among health students and professionals and medical students on a scale of 1 (least empathetic) to 7 (most empathetic); 2. Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, a measure of the perceived uncontrollability of respondents' lives, from 0 (least stressed) to 4 (most stressed); 3. Self-Regulation Questionnaire, which measures the development and maintenance of planned behavior to achieve goals, from 1 (least self-regulated) to 5 (most self-regulated); and 4. Self-Compassion Scale, which measures self-criticism, from 1 (least self-compassionate) to 5 (most self-compassionate). Students also reflected on EH's impact on their well-being in a post-course essay. Results: Self-regulation and self-compassion rose 0.13 (SD 0.20, p=0.003) and 0.28 (SD 0.61, p=0.04), respectively. Favorable changes were also seen in empathy and perceived stress, which went up by 0.11 (SD 0.50, p=0.30) and down by 0.05 (SD 0.62, p=0.70), respectively; these changes did not reach statistical significance. Students’ essays were found to discuss the following recurrent themes: 1) Reconnection between mind and body; 2) Community in a competitive environment; 3) Increased mindfulness; 4) Confidence in use of mind-body skills with patients; and 5) Stress management. These themes overlapped with the measures EH affected quantitatively. Conclusion: A mind-body course for medical students increased self-regulation and self-compassion. Qualitative themes discussed in students’ post-course essays reflected these effects. Keywords: Yoga; meditation; mindfulness; well-being; complementary medicine; integrative medicine; perceived stress; self-compassion; self-regulation; empathy (Published: 30 April 2013) Citation: Med Educ Online 2013, 18 : 20699 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/meo.v18i0.20699
Identification and Molecular Analysis of lbpBA, Which Encodes the Two-Component Meningococcal Lactoferrin Receptor

We identified lbpB, encoding the lipoprotein component of the meningococcal lactoferrin receptor. An LbpB mutant was unable to acquire Fe from lactoferrin and exhibits decreased surface binding to lactoferrin. Primer extension and reverse transcription-PCR analysis indicate that lbpB and lbpA are cotranscribed on a polycistronic Fe-repressible mRNA.
THE IMPACT OF RANDOM AND LINEAL FISSION ON THE GENETIC DIVERGENCE OF SMALL HUMAN GROUPS: A CASE STUDY AMONG THE YANOMAMA

Most of the genetic divergence that currently separates populations of Homo sapiens must have arisen during that long period when the local village (or band) was the basic unit of biological evolution. Studies of tribally intact Amerindian groups exhibiting such small-group organization have demonstrated marked genetic divergence between nearby villages. Some of this genetic radiation can be attributed to the effects of random genetic drift over time within these small demes. Some of it, however, might be better ascribed to the consequences of nonrandom genetic assortment at the time of village fission, a recurring event for such groups. Even random genetic assortment at the time of fission would lead to some genetic divergence, due to the finite size of the parent gene pool. We term the genetic consequences of random assortment the random fission effect. Routinely, village fission occurs along family lines, leading to even greater genetic divergence between the daughter villages. We use the term lineal fission effect to describe the genetic consequences of nonrandom assortment and contrast these results with those derived from random assortment.——A formal treatment of random and lineal fission effects is developed, first for the single-locus case, then for the multiple-locus extension. Using this formulation, three Yanomama fission events were examined. Fission in the Yanomama often involves a great deal of mutual hostility between the two factions, so that subsequent gene flow between the two daughter villages is minimal. The first two examples are typical of the Yanomama behavior norm, and are accompanied by a minimum of subsequent gene flow between the daughter villages. In these two cases, the observed divergence values are very large and are also very unlikely under random fission. The lineal fission effect is pronounced. The net impact of lineal fission is to reduce the effective size of the village at the time of fission by a factor of four, relative to expectation from random fission. The third example, however, involved an unusually amicable split of a village, followed by free genetic exchange between the fission products. This "friendly fission" yields an observed divergence value not much in excess of the expectation from random fission.—The long-term consequences of such fission bottlenecks in effective population size are discussed for both intra- and inter-tribal genetic diversity. It appears that the rate of genetic divergence for tribal and subtribal groups may have been somewhat greater than would be expected from classical drift arguments.
Darstellung und 1H-NMR-spektroskopische Untersuchung von β-substituierten Äthylen-phosphonsäure-diäthylestern

Methan-bis-(phosphonsaure-diathylester) reagiert mit Aldehyden in Gegenwart der aquimolaren Menge Kalium-tert.-butylat zu 2-substituierten Athylen-1-phosphonsaure-diathylestern in praparativem Masstab. Durch Analyse der Signalfolge fur die Vinylprotonen im 1H-NMR-Spektrum wird die trans-Konfiguration der isolierten Athylen-phosphonsaure-ester sichergestellt. Fur die Selektion cis- oder trans-Konfiguration der Reaktionsprodukte wird eine sterische Hinderung im Ubergangszustand des zweiten Reaktionsschrittes als entscheidend angesehen.
Segmental ABO-incompatible liver graft from a donor after cardiac death in neonatal acute liver failure.

Gelas T, Hartley J, Mirza DF, Muiesan P, Bowen C, Sharif K. Segmental ABO-incompatible liver graft from a donor after cardiac death in neonatal acute liver failure. Pediatr Transplantation 2012: 16: E53–E57. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Segmental liver grafts from DCD in pediatric LT have been safely used even in acute liver failure situations. Furthermore, despite the risk of antibody-mediated acute rejection, some studies have also demonstrated the safety of ABO incompatible LT in infants. The use of such grafts can be beneficial by reducing the time on the transplant waiting list but they are more susceptible to initial dysfunction and there is a lack of enthusiasm to consider their use especially for an emergency LT as a life-saving procedure. In this short article, we describe the use and successful outcome in a neonate with fulminant acute liver failure secondary to neonatal hemochromatosis who received an ABO-incompatible reduced-size DCD graft.