cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biochemical Characterization of the Interaction of Lipid Phosphoric Acids with Human Platelets: Comparison with Platelet Activating Factor

A series of lipid phosphoric acids, including 1-O-alkyl-2-lyso-glycerophosphoric acid, 1-O-acyl-2-lyso-glycerophosphoric acid, hexadecylpropanediolphosphoric acid, N-acyl-2-aminoethanolphosphoric acid, sphingosine phosphoric acid, and certain homologues and analogues, were synthesized and characterized by thin-layer chromatography, fast-atom bombardment mass spectrometry, and their ability to aggregate human platelets. The presence of a receptor for these lipid phosphoric acids that is distinct from the PAF receptor is strongly suggested from experiments involving a desensitization procedure, platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonists, and inhibitors of the lipid phosphoric acids. The unique features of the interaction of these lipid phosphoric acids with platelets include: (a) evidence for a separate receptor(s) for this diverse group of synthetic compounds, (b) no requirement for stereospecificity (i.e., no glycerol backbone), and (c) a structural requirement for a long-chain hydrocarbon residue covalently bound to a phosphoric acid residue. In the interaction of these compounds with the platelet, it is mandatory that extracellular Ca2+ and ADP be present for maximum biological activity. The potential involvement of a lipid phosphoric acid receptor, which could form a component of the activation pathway associated with various lysophospholipids and analogues, such as PAF, via a phospholipase D activation, is discussed.
New media for effluent filtration

Abstract Although deep bed filtration is not new in industrial effluent treatment and advanced sewage treatment, new filter media have been investigated with a view to improving the process. The usual media, like sand and anthracite, may be augmented or replaced by hydroanthracite, pumice and expanded slate. The properties of these media are described. Laboratory and pilot tests illustrate their use for effluent treatment in Switzerland.
Postdoctoral Patterns, Career Advancement, and Problems

Postdoctoral appointments can have different functions and meanings, depending on the field and whether the postdoc is a man or a woman. The Ph.D.9s—Ten Years Later study confirmed that in biochemistry, the postdoc, not the Ph.D., has become the general proving ground for excellence both in academia and industry. Because they spent a longer time in these “mandatory” postdocs, biochemists had the largest proportion of untenured faculty 10 to 13 years after the Ph.D. In mathematics, where substantially fewer postdoctoral positions are available, Ph.D.9s taking postdocs are more likely to obtain faculty positions, but this is true only for men. University administrators should be accountable for monitoring the total time spent in these positions and should provide administrative assistance for skills training, career growth, and the job search. In addition, creative solutions concerning the dual-career couple phenomenon are necessary.
Computational analysis of fluid dynamics in pharmaceutical freeze‐drying

Analysis of water vapor flows encountered in pharmaceutical freeze-drying systems, laboratory-scale and industrial, is presented based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The flows under continuum gas conditions are analyzed using the solution of the Navier-Stokes equations whereas the rarefied flow solutions are obtained by the direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method for the Boltzmann equation. Examples of application of CFD techniques to laboratory-scale and industrial scale freeze-drying processes are discussed with an emphasis on the utility of CFD for improvement of design and experimental characterization of pharmaceutical freeze-drying hardware and processes. The current article presents a two-dimensional simulation of a laboratory scale dryer with an emphasis on the importance of drying conditions and hardware design on process control and a three-dimensional simulation of an industrial dryer containing a comparison of the obtained results with analytical viscous flow solutions. It was found that the presence of clean in place (CIP)/sterilize in place (SIP) piping in the duct lead to significant changes in the flow field characteristics. The simulation results for vapor flow rates in an industrial freeze-dryer have been compared to tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) and gravimetric measurements.
Somatic oxidative bioenergetics transitions into pluripotency-dependent glycolysis to facilitate nuclear reprogramming

The bioenergetics of somatic dedifferentiation into induced pluripotent stem cells remains largely unknown. Here, stemness factor-mediated nuclear reprogramming reverted mitochondrial networks into cristae-poor structures. Metabolomic footprinting and fingerprinting distinguished derived pluripotent progeny from parental fibroblasts according to elevated glucose utilization and production of glycolytic end products. Temporal sampling demonstrated glycolytic gene potentiation prior to induction of pluripotent markers. Functional metamorphosis of somatic oxidative phosphorylation into acquired pluripotent glycolytic metabolism conformed to an embryonic-like archetype. Stimulation of glycolysis promoted, while blockade of glycolytic enzyme activity blunted, reprogramming efficiency. Metaboproteomics resolved upregulated glycolytic enzymes and downregulated electron transport chain complex I subunits underlying cell fate determination. Thus, the energetic infrastructure of somatic cells transitions into a required glycolytic metabotype to fuel induction of pluripotency.
Dissociated responses in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex to bottom–up and top–down components of emotional evaluation

Although emotional responses to stimuli may be automatic, explicit evaluation of emotion is a voluntary act. These bottom-up and top-down processes may be supported by distinct neural systems. Previous studies reported bottom-up responses in the amygdala, top-down responses in the orbital and ventromedial prefrontal cortices, and top-down modulation of the amygdalar response. The current study used event-related fMRI on fifteen healthy males to examine these responses in the absence of stimulus anticipation or task repetition. Factorial analysis distinguished bottom-up responses in the amygdala from top-down responses in the orbitofrontal cortex. Activation of ventromedial prefrontal cortex and modulation of amygdalar response were not observed, and future studies may investigate whether these effects are contingent upon anticipation or cognitive set.
New precision tests of the Einstein equivalence principle from SN1987A

The serendipitous observation of neutrinos and light from the recent supernova in the Large Magellanic Cloud has provided a wealth of new information about stellar collapse and about neutrinos. It is pointed out that, in addition, the nearly simultaneous arrival of the photons and neutrinos after a journey of some 160 000 yr provides a new, stringent test of the Einstein equivalence principle on intergalactic distance scales. The relativistic time delays of the photons and neutrinos from SN1987A caused by the gravitational field of our Galaxy are compared, and it is shown that they are equal, to an accuracy of approximately 0.2% of the predicted delay.
Observed Impact of Snow Cover on the Heat Balance and the Rise of Continental Spring Temperatures

Analysis of satellite-derived snow cover, radiative balance, and surface air temperature over Northern Hemisphere extratropical land shows that the retreat of the Northern Hemisphere's extent of spring snow cover over the past 20 years parallels a change in the influence of snow cover on the radiative balance and an observed increase of spring temperatures over the same area. These results help explain why the long-term (20th century) increase in surface air temperature over Northern Hemisphere land has been greater in spring than in any other season relative to the interannual variability.
Changes in Mental Maps.

Abstract The subject of change in mental maps has received little attention. This article presents five maps of state residential desirability that span the years 1977–1991 and briefly analyzes the attitudinal changes that they reveal. Comparison of the mental maps of former and current students may enhance class discussions concerning attitudes about places, how place perceptions change over time, and the consequences of both. A methodology for making simple, yet colorful and effective, mental maps is presented, as are suggestions for classroom use.
The Challenges of Tobacco Control in Croatia

The challenges of tobacco control in Croatia are affected by the country’s high unemployment rate, comparatively low levels of cigarette taxation and the issue of cigarette smuggling. Tobacco control legislation has gained prominence in Croatia due to the high rate of smoking and the European Union’s accession requirements for tobacco control legislation. About one–third of the adults in Croatia smoke putting the country of 4.5 million people roughly on par with the heaviest-smoking EU member states (McDonald, N. USA 1st Edition Financial Times April 17,2007). While the appropriate legislation on tobacco advertising, distribution, health warnings and ingredients are in place, Croatia lags behind other European areas in using a taxing strategy to combat smoking. Raising taxes on tobacco products is considered a highly effective component of a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. The effectiveness of a tax policy is undermined to the extent that there are smuggled or counterfeit tobacco products on the market. Although the percentage of smuggled cigarettes is an elusive number, the illicit tobacco trade is no stranger to Croatia. Cigarettes are widely available on the black market. Finally, in an economy with a 14% unemployment rate (Ministry of Economy, Labor, and Entrepreneurship accessed at www.mingorp.hr on 3/19/09), the public health sector is at odds with the sector that places an emphasis on the contribution of the tobacco industry to tax revenues and the livelihood of people who make their living growing or selling tobacco. While Croatia has made good progress in adopting legislation, it needs to strengthen its efforts both in terms of enforcement and increased taxation of cigarettes. Int Adv Econ Res (2009) 15:494 DOI 10.1007/s11294-009-9226-7
Temporal firing characteristics and the strategic role of subicular neurons in short‐term memory

The role of subicular neurons is explored with respect to their participation in short-term memory during performance of a spatial Delayed-Nonmatch-to-Sample (DNMS) task by well-trained rats. Subicular and CA1 neuron firing was examined in the same animals in relation to the encoding of task-relevant events during the DNMS trial. The results indicate that subicular neurons have completely different firing signatures than well-characterized hippocampal neurons in this task. Firing patterns of subicular neurons consisted of five different categories spanning all three phases of the DNMS trial, but concentrated mostly within the Sample and early portion of the Delay period. Unlike hippocampal neurons, subicular cells did not exhibit conjunctive firing correlates with respect to particular combinations of task events; rather, subicular cell firing was differentiated primarily on the basis of temporal specificity within the trial. Only two of the five subicular cell types fired differentially on correct versus error trials; however, one cell type exhibited such differential firing as an inverse function of duration of delay interval. Experiments employing γ-aminobutyric acid GABAB receptor agonists and antagonists showed that both behavioral performance as well as subicular cell firing were disrupted significantly by baclofen at short delays, while performance at long delays and hippocampal cell firing were relatively immune to this effect. The relevance of subicular cell firing in the task with respect to its temporal relation to delay-dependent hippocampal neuronal activity suggests that the structures have complementary roles in the encoding and representation of items in short-term memory. Hippocampus 2003;13:529–541. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Electronic Advocacy: Interest Groups and Public Policy Making

study high-tech lobbying tools, such as television advertising and organized direct mail or phone bank efforts (for an exception, see Sexton and Loomis 1994). Lacking, too, are normative considerations of the impact of electronic advocacy on pluralistic democracy. High-tech lobbying tools are expensive, and lobbying strategies based on these models are not equally available to all groups. Given the costs of electronic advocacy, we address whether the heavenly chorus of interest groups is singing with an upper-class bias (Schattschneider 1960).
Smoking initiation in youth: The roles of gender, race, socioeconomics, and developmental status

Abstract Purpose: To describe smoking initiation, and to investigate factors that predict the early initiation of smoking in schoolchildren using a longitudinal approach. Methods: A prospective study of smoking habits of children from the third and fourth grades through the eighth and ninth grades. The initial study population was 1970; 79.8% were white and 20.2% were African-American. Children were classified as "nonsmokers," "experimental smokers," or "current smokers" at five time points over 6 years. Multivariate regression models examined relationships of demographic and developmental factors with smoking initiation. Results: Experimental smoking increased from 4% at Grades 3–4 to 42% at Grades 8–9, and current smoking prevalence rose from 0.4% to 9% over the same period. The mean age of initiation of smoking was 12.3 years. Smoking initiation (experimental smoking) was significantly different by racial group, socioeconomic status (SES), and pubertal development. White children and those of low SES were more likely to be experimental smokers, and also started earlier than African-American children and children of high SES. Once they started, white children advanced more rapidly to become current smokers. Boys had a higher prevalence of experimental smoking than girls at all time points. Children in rural areas were more likely than urban children to start smoking after age 12 years. Children who were at a higher pubertal stage than their peers were also more likely to experiment with smoking. Conclusions: Race, SES, and pubertal stage are important predictors of initiation of smoking in schoolchildren. This study indicates a need for smoking prevention classes in elementary and middle school, especially in areas with large numbers of white and low-SES youth. Also, smoking cessation programs, as well as smoking prevention classes, would be useful for middle school and high school students.
Dislocation-assisted diffusion of oxygen in albite

Oxygen diffusion in albite has been determined by the integrating (bulk 18O) method between 750° and 450° C, for a P H2O of 2 kb. The original material has a low dislocation density (<106 cm−2), and its lattice diffusion coefficient (D 1), given below, agrees well with previous determinations. A sample was deformed at high temperature and pressure to produce a uniform dislocation density of 5 × 109 cm−2. The diffusion coefficient (D a) for this deformed material, given below, is about 0.5 and 0.7 orders of magnitude larger than D 1 at 700° and 450° C, respectively. This enhancement is believed due to faster diffusion along the cores of dislocations. Assuming a dislocation core radius of 4 A, the calculated pipe diffusion coefficient (D p), given below, is about 5 orders of magnitude larger than D 1. These results suggest that volume diffusion at metamorphic conditions may be only slightly enhanced by the presence of dislocations. $$\begin{gathered} D_1 = 9.8 \pm 6.9 \times 10^{ - 6} (cm^2 /\sec ) \hfill \\ {\text{ }} \cdot \exp [ - 33.4 \pm 0.6(kcal/mole)/RT] \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ $$\begin{gathered} D_a = 7.6 \pm 4.0 \times 10^{ - 6} (cm^2 /\sec ) \hfill \\ {\text{ }} \cdot \exp [ - 30.9 \pm 1.1(kcal/mole)/RT] \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$ $$\begin{gathered} D_p \approx 1.2 \times 10^{ - 1} (cm^2 /\sec ) \hfill \\ {\text{ }} \cdot \exp [ - 29.8(kcal/mole)/RT]. \hfill \\ \end{gathered} $$
Flat, whole-mount nerve preparations: A useful tool for studying the process of regenerating axon outgrowth

A method, which is based on the use of flat, whole-mount nerve preparations, has been developed for studying the process of regenerating axon outgrowth, employing the rat sciatic nerve as a model. At various intervals after a nerve crush, animals are perfused with aldehyde fixatives, the nerve dissected out, and its epineurium removed. Next the nerve is flattened between two glass slides, removed and reacted (floating), then whole-mounted on a micro slide and cover-slipped. Regenerating axons have been labeled by means of the horseradish peroxidase tracing technique, a histochemical technique for acetylcholinesterase, or an indirect immunocytochemical technique utilizing antibodies against tubulin. With all these techniques, individual outgrowing axons and their bundles can be clearly visualized. Regenerating axons labeled by horseradish peroxidase are readily traced along their entire undulating courses from the distal margin of the crush zone to axonal tips, which mark the leading edge of several waves of outgrowing axons. It appears that such flat, whole-amount nerve preparations can be useful for obtaining: (1) accurate estimates of the rate of regenerating axon elongation, (2) values characterizing the duration of the initial delay of axonal outgrowth, and (3) information concerning the nature of axonal subpopulations that elongate at different rates.
Human MutLα: The jack of all trades in MMR is also an endonuclease

Abstract Recently, Paul Modrich's group reported the discovery of an intrinsic endonuclease activity for human MutLα. This breakthrough provides a satisfactory answer to the longstanding puzzle of a missing nuclease activity in human mismatch repair and will undoubtedly lead to new investigations of DNA repair and replication. Here, the implications of this exciting new finding are discussed in the context of mismatch repair in Escherichia coli and humans.
On the CR-Obata theorem and some extremal problems associated to pseudoscalar curvature on the real ellipsoids in $\mathbb{C}^{n+1}$

This paper studies the CR-version of Obata theorem on a pseudo-Hermitian CR-manifold (M,θ). The main result of the paper is proving that CR―Obata theorem holds on real ellipsoid E(A) with contact form θ = 1/2i(∂ρ A ― ∂ρ A ), where ρ A (z) = |z| 2 + Re Σ n j=1 A j z 2 j ― 1 with A j ∈ (―1, 1).
Energy separation in fluid streams

Etude des processus conduisant a la separation du fluide ou une partie a haute temperature et une partie a basse temperature dans un tube de Hilsch (tube a tourbillon), dans un tube de Springer (tube a resonance) autour d'un cylindre dans un ecoulement transversal ou dans un jet heurtant une plaque. L'etude se limite aux gaz
A division of labor: DC subsets and HIV receptor diversity.

DCs from different anatomical sites express distinct arrays of alternative HIV receptors. Some of these subsets could represent good gatekeepers, whereas others may be “Trojan horses” that carry HIV into the lymph node.
The practical philosophy of communication ethics and free speech as the foundation for speech communication

This article explores the contention that ethics and free speech might be considered the foundation for understanding the field of speech communication. If one is looking for the central issues from which the field of speech communication can be examined, perhaps ethics and free speech offer appropriate beginning places, considering the importance of our Athenian heritage and the current saliency of ethical and free speech issues in the global community.
Modifying a Tilting Disk Mechanical Heart Valve Design to Improve Closing Dynamics

The closing behavior of mechanical heart valves is dependent on the design of the valve and its housing, the valve composition, and the environment in which the valve is placed. One innovative approach for improving the closure dynamics of tilting disk valves is introduced here. We transformed a normal Delrin occluder into one containing a "dynamic liquid core" to resist acceleration and reduce the moment of inertia, closing velocity, and impact forces of the valve during closure. The modified occluder was studied in the mitral position of a simulation chamber under the physiologic and elevated closing conditions of 2500 mm Hg/s and 4500 mm Hg/s, respectively. Cavitation energy, detected as high-frequency pressure transients with a hydrophone, was the measure used to compare the modified valve with its unaltered counterpart. The cavitation potential of tilting disk valves is indicative of the extent of blood damage occurring during valve closure. Initial findings suggest that changes to the structure or physical properties of well established mechanical valves, such as the one described here, can reduce closure induced hemolysis by minimizing cavitation. Compared with a normal valve, the cavitation intensity associated with our modified valve was reduced by more than 66% at the higher load. Furthermore, the modified valve took longer to completely close than did the standard tilting disk valve, indicating a dampened impact and rebound of the occluder with its housing.
Polar Expansion Dynamics in the Plant Kingdom: A Diverse and Multifunctional Journey on the Path to Pollen Tubes

Polar expansion is a widespread phenomenon in plants spanning all taxonomic groups from the Charophycean Green Algae to pollen tubes in Angiosperms and Gymnosperms. Current data strongly suggests that many common features are shared amongst cells displaying polar growth mechanics including changes to the structural features of localized regions of the cell wall, mobilization of targeted secretion mechanisms, employment of the actin cytoskeleton for directing secretion and in many cases, endocytosis and coordinated interaction of multiple signal transduction mechanisms prompted by external biotic and abiotic cues. The products of polar expansion perform diverse functions including delivery of male gametes to the egg, absorption, anchorage, adhesion and photo-absorption efficacy. A comparative analysis of polar expansion dynamics is provided with special emphasis on those found in early divergent plants.
Peace education, domestic tranquility, and democracy: The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster as domestic violence

This article is an attempt to develop a theory of peace education through an examination of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. It examines why Japan did not avoid this terrible nuclear disaster. This is an educational issue, because one of the major impacts of Fukushima's catastrophe is that it indicates the failure of peace education. In order to reestablish a theory of peace education, the concept of domestic tranquility is discussed. This article questions whether the Japanese public order is consistent with democratic principles. Jane Roland Martin's examination of the concept of domestic tranquility is shown relevant. Martin's language analysis helps to distinguish whether or not Japanese domestic tranquility under nuclear crisis is democratic. I propose that post-Fukushima disaster peace education should be reformed as consistent with two democratic principles: acceptance of the diversity of peace and continuous negotiation among these different narratives.
Direct detection of renal function markers using microchip CE with pulsed electrochemical detection

Creatinine, creatine, and uric acid are three important compounds that are measured in a variety of clinical assays, most notably for renal function. Traditional clinical assays for these compounds have focused on the use of enzymes or chemical reactions. Electrophoretic microchips have the potential to integrate separation power of capillary electrophoresis with devices that are small, portable, and have the speed of conventional sensors. The development of a microchip CE system for the direct detection of creatinine, creatine, and uric acid is presented. The device uses pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) to detect the nitrogen-containing compounds as well as the easily oxidizable uric acid. Baseline separation of creatinine, creatine and uric acid was achieved using 30 mM borate buffer (pH = 9.4) in less than 200 s. Linear calibration curves were obtained with limits of detection of 80 microM, 250 microM and 270 microM for creatinine, creatine and uric acid respectively. An optimization of the separation conditions and a comparison of PAD with other amperometric detection modes is also shown. Finally, analysis of a real urine sample is presented with validation of creatinine concentrations using a clinical assay kit based on the Jaffe reaction.
Overload Flexural Distribution Behavior of Composite Steel Girder Bridges

AbstractUsing equations proposed by the AASHTO LRFD specifications, live-load distribution factors in bridge superstructures were calculated based on the linear-elastic behavior of the system. In this study, the applicability of these equations in predicting girder distribution behavior in the presence of high material nonlinearity and oversized loading scenarios was investigated. Two representative composite steel girder bridge superstructures, which are in service in the state of Michigan and had been previously subjected to a live-load testing program, were selected for this study. Sixteen cases were analyzed to study the effect of boundary conditions, loading position, and load configuration on the girder distribution behavior of the selected bridges as they approach their ultimate capacities. Comparing the results obtained from nonlinear finite-element analysis with those proposed by the AASHTO LRFD specifications demonstrated that the code-specified values for the distribution factors are overly con...
Growth Hormone (GH) and a GH Antagonist Promote GH Receptor Dimerization and Internalization (

It has previously been shown that a human growth hormone (hGH) analog, hGH-G120R, acts as a GH antagonist (Chen, W. Y., Wight, D. C. , Wagner, T. E., and Kopchick, J. J. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 87, 5061-5065; Chen, W. Y., White, M. E., Wagner, T. E., and Kopchick, J. J. (1991) Endocrinology 129, 1402-1408; Chen, W. Y., Chen, N-Y., Yun, J., Wang, X. Z., Wagner, T. E., and Kopchick, J. J. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 15892-15897). In this study, we report the ability of hGH and hGH-G120R to be internalized by GH receptor expressing cells. Additionally, results of chemical cross-linking experiments revealed that both native hGH and hGH-G120R form complexes similar in size to that expected for hGH when bound to recombinant hGH-binding protein (bp). The molecular mass of the complex was determined to be approximately 280 kDa which is consistent with multiple receptors interacting with the ligand. The predominant radiolabeled band detected was a complex of approximately 140 kDa which probably represents one GH molecule bound to one GH receptor. The cross-linked complexes were not detected in the presence of excess unlabeled hGH or hGH-G120R and were not observed in cells which do not express detectable levels of GH receptors. Also, GH induced tyrosine phosphorylation of a complex of proteins of approximately 95 kDa in these cells whereas hGH-G120R did not. Thus, we have separated the hGH or hGH-G120R/GHR binding and internalization capabilities from the ability to stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of intracellular proteins.
Body cathexis and neurodermatitis.

Summary A brief review of the literature on body cathexis has been presented. There seems to be general agreement that the face and the genitals are the most highly cathected parts of our bodies. The impression of some writers that the hands are not highly cathected can be explained by the presence of a strong counter-cathexis from the superego, which arises because the hands are the executive agents in sexual and aggressive acts. Primary neurodermatitis was then defined and described. The records of 195 patients with this disease complex were reviewed. The only pattern which emerged was a correlation between the mental state of the patient and the distribution of the lesions. The most disturbed patients attacked the most highly cathected areas, and the least disturbed patients attacked the least highly cathected areas. These clinical findings offer interesting corroboration of the theoretical work which has been done regarding body cathexis. The finding that the healthiest patients, emotionally, were in the group that scratched the hands—again in keeping with preceding theoretical work—can be explained in both instances by ambivalence felt toward this particular part of our bodies. These conclusions may be useful to the dermatologist in estimating prognosis and treatment, and to the psychiatrist in selecting patients for psychotherapy.
Inhibition of NF-κB Activity by Thalidomide through Suppression of IκB Kinase Activity

The sedative and anti-nausea drug thalidomide, which causes birth defects in humans, has been shown to have both anti-inflammatory and anti-oncogenic properties. The anti-inflammatory effect of thalidomide is associated with suppression of cytokine expression and the anti-oncogenic effect with inhibition of angiogenesis. It is presently unclear whether the teratogenic properties of thalidomide are connected in any way to the beneficial, anti-disease characteristics of this drug. The transcription factor NF-kappaB has been shown to be a key regulator of inflammatory genes such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8. Inhibition of NF-kappaB is associated with reduced inflammation in animal models, such as those for rheumatoid arthritis. We show here that thalidomide can block NF-kappaB activation through a mechanism that involves the inhibition of activity of the IkappaB kinase. Consistent with the observed inhibition of NF-kappaB, thalidomide blocked the cytokine-induced expression of NF-kappaB-regulated genes such as those encoding interleukin-8, TRAF1, and c-IAP2. These data indicate that the therapeutic potential for thalidomide may be based on its ability to block NF-kappaB activation through suppression of IkappaB kinase activity.
Cultural Beliefs and Clinical Breast Examination in Hmong American Women: The Crucial Role of Modesty

Despite grave cancer disparities in Hmong American women, investigation of the group's breast cancer screening behavior is sparse. This study examined how cultural factors are associated with breast cancer screening utilization, specifically clinical breast exam (CBE), in this population. One hundred and sixty-four Hmong American women between ages 18 and 67 were recruited from a large Midwestern metropolitan area with a median age of 28.0 years. Logistic regression was used to assess the association of cultural variables with receipt of CBE. Roughly 73% of Hmong American women reported ever having had a CBE. Logistic regression revealed that endorsing more modest views was the greatest barrier to ever having had a CBE. Age and language preference were also found to be significant predictors of past CBE use. Cultural factors should be considered in developing interventions aimed at promoting breast cancer screening in this population. In particular, Hmong American women who have less English proficiency and are relatively younger should be targeted in breast cancer screening efforts.
Evaluation of Fine Particle Number Concentrations in CMAQ

The Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model is widely used in air quality management and scientific investigation. Numerous studies have been conducted investigating how well CMAQ simulates fine particle mass concentrations, but relatively few studies have addressed how well CMAQ simulates fine particle number distribution. Accurate simulation of particle number concentrations is important because particle number and surface area concentrations may be directly related to human health and visibility. Simulated fine particle number concentrations derived using CMAQ are compared to measurements to identify problems and to improve model performance. Evaluation is done using measured particle number concentrations in Atlanta, Georgia, from 1/1/1999 to 8/31/2000. While homogeneous binary nucleation mechanism used in CMAQ needs to be modified for better prediction of particle number concentrations, there are also other factors that affect the predicted particle level. Assumed particle size of the primary e...
Outcomes of Operations Performed by Attending Surgeons after Overnight Trauma Shifts

Background To date, work-hour restrictions have not been imposed on attending surgeons in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of working an overnight trauma shift on outcomes of general surgery operations performed the next day by the post-call attending physician. Study Design Consecutive patients over a 3.5-year period undergoing elective general surgical procedures were reviewed. Procedures were limited to hernia repairs (inguinal and ventral), cholecystectomies, and intestinal operations. Any operations that were performed the day after the attending surgeon had taken an overnight trauma shift were considered post-call (PC) cases; all other cases were considered nonpost-call (NP). Outcomes from the PC operations were compared with those from the NP operations. Results There were 869 patients identified; 132 operations were performed PC and 737 were NP. The majority of operations included hernia repairs (46%), followed by cholecystectomies (35%), and intestinal procedures (19%). Overall, the PC operations did not differ from the NP operations with respect to complication rate (13.7% vs 13.5%, p = 0.93) or readmission within 30 days (5% vs 6%, p = 0.84). Additionally, multivariable logistic regression failed to identify an association between PC operations and the development of adverse outcomes. Follow-up was obtained for an average of 3 months. Conclusions Performance of general surgery operations the day after an overnight in-hospital trauma shift did not affect complication rates or readmission rates. At this time, there is no compelling evidence to mandate work-hour restrictions for attending general surgeons.
The importance of combining MRI and large-scale digital histology in neuroimaging studies of brain connectivity and disease

One of the major issues hindering a comprehensive connectivity model for the human brain is the difficulty in linking Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to anatomical evidence produced by histological methods. Non-invasive and postmortem neuroimaging methodologies are still largely incompatible in terms of sample size, scale, and resolution. To help bridge the hiatus between different approaches we established a program that characterizes the brain of individual subjects, combining in vivo MRI with postmortem neuroanatomy. The direct correlation of MRI and histological features is possible, because registered images from different modalities represent the same regions in the same brain. Our comparisons are also facilitated by large-scale, digital microscopy techniques that afford images of the whole-brain sections at cellular resolution. The goal is to create a neuroimaging catalogue representative of discrete age groups and specific neurological conditions. Individually, the datasets allow for investigating the relationship between different modalities; combined, they provide sufficient predictive power to inform analyses and interpretations made in the context of exclusively non-invasive studies of brain connectivity and disease.
Intra group reinforcement and its effects on leadership behavior

Abstract Four-person problem solving groups were constructed on the basis of participant California Psychological Inventory Leadership scale scores. Each group had a target person with either a high or low leadership score and three other participants with intermediate leadership scores. Half of the groups received “private” reinforcement while the discussion was in progress. This reinforcement consisted of rewarding target person leadership behaviors and punishing non-target persons for these same behaviors. The results revealed that high Leadership scale scorers talked a great deal in group discussion and low scorers talked very little. Those who participated more were rated as better leaders by the group. Participation levels were further increased for high scorers by reinforcement, but not for low scorers. As participation increased, so did subsequent group leadership ratings for high scorers. When low scorers failed to respond to reinforcement, they were rated as poorer leaders than low scorers not receiving reinforcement. Reinforcement effects were found to be stable, while morale and satisfaction with the group product were not lowered. Implications of this method of group reinforcement for leadership training were considered.
Radiation considerations for superconducting fusion magnets

Abstract Superconducting magnets are believed to be necessary for fusion power reactors. High flux levels of neutrons and secondary gamma rays in these reactors require extensive radiation shielding to protect the components of the superconducting magnets from intolerable radiation damage and energy deposition. In this paper, radiation environment for the magnets is characterized for various conditions expected for tokamak power reactor operation. The radiation levels are translated into radiation effects using available experimental data. The impact of the tradeoffs in radiation shielding and the change in the properties of the superconducting magnets on reactor performance and economics is examined. It is shown that (1) superconducting magnets in fusion reactors will operate at much higher radiation level than was previously anticipated; (2) additional data on radiation damage is required to better accuracy than is presently available in order to accurately quantify the change in properties in the superconducting magnet components; and (3) there is a substantial penalty for increasing (or overestimating) the shielding requirements. Therefore there is a strong incentive to explore all important options that lead to lower radiation damage at a given radiation level.
EFFECT OF HISTAMINE ON GANGLIONIC TRANSMISSION

Histamine has been shown to depress transmission through the perfused superior cervical ganglion of the cat when doses of 150 μg. or more were administered. The intensity of the ganglionic block was related to the dose of histamine employed. In one-third of the experiments, a slow contracture of the nictitating membrane occurred after histamine had been injected; the contracture lasted up to 10 min., and subsequent injections of histamine gave rise to progressively smaller responses. The blocking action of histamine was evident in all experiments and was the most prominent feature observed. Histamine in a sub-depressant dose enhanced the action of the competitive blocking agents tetraethylammonium and hexamethonium, and also the depolarizing blocking agents tetramethylammonium and nicotine. The possible physiological role of histamine in the autonomic nervous system is discussed.
Childhood Trauma and Adult Life Satisfaction in a Random Adult Sample

640 randomly selected adults were surveyed about childhood traumatic events and their current life satisfaction. Respondents who had experienced traumatic childhood events rated themselves significantly less satisfied with life and were less likely to be home owners and more likely to live in families with lower incomes than respondents who had not experienced traumatic events (ns ranged from 44 to 232, depending on the items).
Fluorescent bio-barcode DNA assay for the detection of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

Abstract Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is one of the most frequently reported causes of foodborne illness. It is a major threat to the food safety chain and public health. A highly amplified bio-barcode DNA assay for the rapid detection of the insertion element ( Iel ) gene of Salmonella Enteritidis is reported in this paper. The biosensor transducer is composed of two nanoparticles: gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). The Au-NPs are coated with the target-specific DNA probe which can recognize the target gene, and fluorescein-labeled barcode DNA in a 1:100 probe-to-barcode ratio. The MNPs are coated with the 2nd target-specific DNA probe. After mixing the nanoparticles with the 1st target DNA, the sandwich structure (MNPs-2nd DNA probe/Target DNA/1st DNA probe-Au-NPs-barcode DNA) is formed. A magnetic field is applied to separate the sandwich from the unreacted materials. Then the bio-barcode DNA is released from the Au-NPs. Because the Au-NPs have a large number of barcode DNA per DNA probe binding event, there is substantial amplification. The released barcode DNA is measured by fluorescence. Using this technique, the detection limit of this bio-barcode DNA assay is as low as 2.15 × 10 −16 mol (or 1 ng/mL).
MEDIEVAL ISLAMIC SOCIO‐ECONOMIC THOUGHT: LINKS WITH GREEK AND LATIN‐EUROPEAN SCHOLARSHIP

Our purpose in this paper is three‐fold. First, we shall briefly describe what is almost a truism— that is, the classical (especially the Greek) intellectual heritage of the Arab‐Islamic scholars upon which the latter, imbued by their young faith, developed their own comprehensive synthesis. Second, as part of that synthesis, we shall explore briefly the economic thought of a few early‐medieval Arab‐Islamic scholastics who extended that heritage and wrote on numerous issues of human concern, including economics. Those discourses took place during what is sometimes called the “golden age” of Islam — a period that coincided roughly with the so‐called Dark Age of Europe. Parenthetically, it might be noted that one of 20th century's most prominent economists, the late Joseph Schumpeter (1883–1950) had, unfortunately for the continuity and evolution of human intellectual tradition, declared that period as “the Great Gap,” representing “blank centuries,” during which nothing of significance to economics, or for that matter to any field, was said or written anywhere — as though there was a complete lacuna over intellectual evolution throughout the rest of the world (Schumpeter, 52, 74; see Ghazanfar, 1991). And finally, we will provide some evidence as to the historically influential linkages of the Arab‐Islamic thought, including economic thought, with the Latin‐European scholastics‐a phenomenon that facilitated the European intellectual evolution. An underlying theme of this paper is predicated on the premise that the classical tradition (i.e., Greek knowledge, though not exclusively) is part of a long historical continuum that represents the inextricably linked Judeo‐Christian‐and‐Islamic tradition of the West. This theme, though not common appreciated, is amply corroborated through the writings of well‐known scholars from the East and the West (see, for example, Durant, Haskins, Myers, O'Leary, Said, Sarton, Sharif, and others).
Kinetics of entry of galactolipids and phospholipids into myelin.

— Brain slices from 17 day rats were incubated with [3H]galactose and [35S]sulphate to label cerebroside and sulphatide. Myelin was isolated by centrifugation on a sucrose density gradient. Following lipid extraction and alkaline methanolysis, cerebroside and sulphatide were isolated by tic, and radioactivity was measured. Appearance of [3H]cerebroside and [3H]sulphatide in myelin showed a lag of less than 15min, while appearance of [35S]sulphatide in myelin showed a longer lag of about 30min. In chase experiments, the rate of appearance of [3H]cerebroside and [3SS]sulphatide in the non-myelin fraction and of [3H]cerebroside in the myelin fraction slowed markedly after the chase. In contrast, [35S]sulphatide continued to increase in myelin at a normal rate for 30min after the chase, then stopped, while 3H from galactose continued to accumulate in myelin sulphatides for 60 min. These data are interpreted to demonstrate an interval of 30 min between synthesis of cerebroside and its sulphation in the non-myelin fraction, and another delay of 30 min between sulphation and appearance in myelin. The distribution of newly synthesized cerebroside and sulphatide between myelin and non-myelin fractions also supported the concept that a complex metabolic pool of cerebroside in the non-myelin fraction is precursor to sulphatide of myelin. For comparison, entry of phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine into myelin was followed with [2-3H]glycerol as precursor. Like cerebroside, both phospholipids showed little delay in their initial appearance in myelin, and prompt cessation of their addition after a chase with unlabeled precursor. These results are consonant with either rapid entry of these three lipids into myelin after synthesis at an extra-myelin site, or synthesis of the lipids within myelin itself.
Exploring dual identification among Muslim-American emerging adults: A mixed methods study

This mixed methods study explored dual identification among Muslim-American emerging adults of immigrant origin. A closer look was taken at the relationship between American and Muslim identifications and how this relationship was influenced by experiences of discrimination, acculturative and religious practices, and whether it varied by gender. Data were gathered from 97 Muslim Americans (ages 18-25) who completed a survey and produced identity maps, a pictorial representation of hyphenated identities. The findings showed that young people found a way of allowing their Muslim and American identities to co-exist, and only a small minority of the participants seemed to experience identity conflict. While religiosity was the only predictor of Muslim identification, young peoples' identification with mainstream United States culture was predicted by discrimination-related stress and acculturative practices. Gender moderated the relationship between Muslim and American identities in both survey measures and identity maps.
Project EX--a teen smoking cessation initial study in Wuhan, China.

The increasing smoking prevalence in China indicates a need for effective smoking cessation programs, yet, to our knowledge, no studies have evaluated the effects of smoking cessation programs among Chinese adolescents. A group of 46 10th-grade-level cigarette smokers from two schools in Wuhan, China, were provided with Project EX, an eight-session school-based clinic smoking cessation program developed in the United States. Efforts of translation of the Project EX curriculum, verification of translation, curriculum modification, and cultural adaptation were made to adapt the curriculum to the local culture. The 46 smokers represented 71% of all the self-reported 30-day smokers among 622 10th graders at these two schools. Only one student dropped out from the clinic program. Four-month follow-up data indicated a 10.5% 30-day quit rate and a 14.3% 7-day quit rate. The students who did not quit smoking reported a 16% reduction in daily cigarette consumption at posttest and a 33% reduction at 4-month follow-up. Use of a 2 1/2-week prebaseline-to-baseline clinic assessment indicated a clinic cohort nonassisted quit rate of 3%. These data provided evidence that Project EX can be adapted in another country, such as China; can be very well received; and can lead to promising results on cessation. D 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
History of Oral History: Foundations and MethodologyThinking about Oral History: Theories and Applications

The two books under review here are a split edition of the Handbook of Oral History (AltaMira, 2006), a collection of essays edited by Thomas L. Charlton, Lois E. Myers, and Rebecca Sharpless of th...