cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ionomycin, a Carboxylic Acid Ionophore, Transports Pb2+ with High Selectivity

Studies utilizing phospholipid vesicle loaded with chelator/indicators for polyvalent cations show that ionomycin transports divalent cations with the selectivity sequence Pb(2+) > Cd(2+) > Zn(2+) > Mn(2+) > Ca(2+) > Cu(2+) > Co(2+) > Ni(2+) > Sr(2+). The selectivity of this ionophore for Pb(2+) is in contrast to that observed for A23178 and 4-BrA23187, which transport Pb(2+) at efficiencies that are intermediate between those of other cations. When the selectivity difference of ionomycin for Pb(2+) versus Ca(2+) was calculated from relative rates of transport, with either cation present individually and all other conditions held constant, a value of approximately 450 was obtained. This rose to approximately 3200 when both cations were present and transported simultaneously. 1 microM Pb(2+) inhibited the transport of 1 mM Ca(2+) by approximately 50%, whereas the rate of Pb(2+) transport approached a maximum at a concentration of 10 microM Pb(2+) when 1 mM Ca(2+) was also present. Plots of log rate versus log ionomycin or log Pb(2+) concentration indicated that the transporting species is of 1:1 stoichiometry, ionophore to Pb(2+), but that complexes containing an additional Pb(2+) may occur. The species transporting Pb(2+) may include H.IPb.OH, wherein ionomycin is ionized once and the presence of OH(-) maintains charge neutrality. Ionomycin retained a high efficiency for Pb(2+) transport in A20 B lymphoma cells loaded with Indo-1. Both Pb(2+) entry and efflux were observed. Ionomycin should be considered primarily as an ionophore for Pb(2+), rather than Ca(2+), of possible value for the investigation and treatment of Pb(2+) intoxication.
Kinetics of oxide film growth on metal crystals: Space-charge-modified thermal electron emission and ionic diffusion. Part 1. Pertinent equations

A complete prototype coupled-currents calculation for metal oxidation has been carried out for a model based on ionic diffusion and thermal electron emission in the presence of space charge of the diffusing ionic species. This theoretical and numerical work is presented in two parts. In Part 1, the analytical equations for species transport are developed, and the approach for coupling these equations to deduce the kinetics of metal oxidation is outlined. The space-charge-modified ionic defect profiles can be expressed exactly in terms of Airy functions. These profiles lead in turn to analytical expressions for the total energy barrier for thermal electron emission. This is important both for metal oxidation and in devices utilizing electron emission from metals which are covered with oxides and similar dielectric layers. In Part 2, the results of extensive numerical computations for the model are presented. These calculations have led to a full understanding of the predictions of the model, the most important of which are the following: (a) In the early growth stage, the negative surface-charge field is an order of magnitude or so larger than its homogeneous field counterpart; this significantly aids the injection of rate-limiting electronic carriers into the conduction band of the oxide, and the oxide growth rate is thereby enhanced, (b) In the later stages of growth where the ionic species becomes rate-limiting, the space charge of the diffusing ions causes a marked retardation of the ionic current and the accompanying oxide film growth, (c) The transition from electron rate-limited growth occurs shortly after the classical electron energy barrier maximum switches from inside the film (Schottky-type emission) to a space-charge-produced barrier maximum at the outer interface of the film.
Interpolatory Subdivision Schemes and Wavelets

In this paper, we describe the connection of orthonormal wavelets to interpolatory subdivision. This connection leads us to a construction of an orthonormal wavelet of compact support whose Fourier transform has prescribed imaginary zeros. When all the zeros are at the origin, our construction reduces to the wavelet constructed by I. Daubechies.
Empirical mode decomposition for removal of specular reflections and cast shadow effects

Facial recognition is fast becoming one of the more popular and effective modalities of biometrics when used in controlled environments. Controlled environments are those in which factors such as facial expression, pose, camera position, and in particular illumination effects are controlled to some degree with respect to better performance. Regulation or normalization of such factors has effects on all facial recognition algorithms, and the factor of illumination effects is one of significant importance. In this paper we describe a method to address illumination effects in the biometric modality of face recognition using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) to identify illumination modes that compose the image. Following identification of intrinsic mode functions that correspond to the dominant illumination factors, we reconstruct the facial image minus these negative factors to synthesize a more neutral facial image. We then perform recognition and verification experiments using different algorithms such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Fisher Linear Discriminant Analysis (FLDA), and Correlation Filters (CF's) to demonstrate the fundamental effectiveness of EMD as an illumination compensation method. Results are reported on the Carnegie Mellon University Pose-Illumination-Expression (CMU PIE) Database and the Yale Face Database B.
Structure-activity relationship analysis tools: validation and applicability in predicting carcinogens.

Abstract OncoLogic ® and MultiCASE (MCASE) are two structure–activity relationship (SAR) analysis software programs available to screen compounds for potential carcinogenicity. Ashby–Tennant structural alerts [Ashby, J., Tennant, R.W., 1991. Definitive relationships among chemical structure, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity for 301 chemicals tested by the US NTP. Mutat. Res. 257, 229–306] and genetic toxicity testing may also be used to assess/predict this endpoint. Six-hundred and fifty compounds tested for carcinogenicity whose results were tabulated in the Carcinogenic Potency Database (CPDB) were used to validate and compare the predictivity of OncoLogic ® (Version 4.1), MCASE (Version 3.1), Ashby–Tennant structural alerts, and genetic toxicity testing, individually and in combination. The sensitivity of the methods for predicting carcinogens and the specificity for predicting non-carcinogens was examined. Potent carcinogens, defined as those with TD 50 values of less than 6.25 mg/kg bw/d, were then examined separately. It is concluded that SAR analysis programs and structural alerts perform well for compounds with low human exposure levels and have the potential to supplement the results of routinely requested genetic toxicity tests in a weight-of-evidence approach in predicting carcinogenicity, although each method of analysis has limitations regarding applicability.
Structural RNA mimetics: N3'-->P5' phosphoramidate DNA analogs of HIV-1 RRE and TAR RNA form A-type helices that bind specifically to Rev and Tat-related peptides.

An attractive strategy for the development of anti-retroviral drugs is the exploration of compounds that mimic RNA control regions of the viral genome and act as “decoys” to sequester viral gene regulatory proteins. Decoys consisting of RNA, however, are chemically unstable and readily degraded by cellular nucleases. DNA decoys, which are slightly more stable, also might not be appropriate because of possible structural differences between RNA and DNA helices and the complexes they form with proteins. It was recently reported, however, that DNA analogs with modified N3‘ → P5‘ phosphoramidate sugar−phosphate backbones are stable and nuclease-resistant and exist predominately as A-form helices in solution [Gryaznov, S., et al. (1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 92, 5798−5802]. We now report that oligonucleotide N3‘ → P5‘ phosphoramidate DNA analogs of HIV-1 RRE IIB and TAR RNA form stable duplexes that exist in the A form as judged by circular dichroism (CD). Moreover, gel shift assays demonstrate that th...
Hydrogeology of thrust faults and crystalline thrust sheets: Results of combined field and modeling studies

Field, laboratory, and modeling studies of faulted rock yield insight into the hydraulic character of thrust faults. Late-stage faults comprise foliated and subparallel faults, with clay-rich gouge and fracture zones, that yield interpenetrating layers of low-permeability gouge and higher-permeability damage zones. Laboratory testing suggests a permeability contrast of two orders of magnitude between gouge and damage zones. Layers of differing permeability lead to overall permeability anisotropy with maximum permeability within the plane of the fault and minimum permeability perpendicular to the fault plane. Numerical modeling of regional-scale fluid flow and heat transport illustrates the impact of fault zone hydrogeology on fluid flux, fluid pore pressure, and temperature in the vicinity of a crystalline thrust sheet.
High‐Temperature Mechanical Properties of a Ceramic Matrix Composite

The change in mechanical properties of a fiber-reinforced ceramic from notch insensitivity at room temperature to notch sensitivity at elevated temperature has been investigated. The change in behavior has been attributed primarily to a correspondingly large variation in the shear resistance of the fiber/matrix interface caused by oxidation effects at that interface. The transition in behavior has been correlated with a fracture model based on the incidence of fiber failure in the crack wake.
Some tests of the incentive effects of the research and experimentation tax credit

Abstract The effectiveness of the tax credit for research and experimentation (R&E) expenditures is examined using a panel of firm data for the period 1975 through 1988. Using a structural model, the results generally indicate that the credit resulted in increased R&E spending. However, the effect of the credit was substantially mitigated by the impacts of net operating loss carryovers and low growth opportunities. Results also indicate some degree of decreased R&E spending as a result of debt restructuring activity. Tax policy implications are discussed.
Hematologic Manifestations of Lysine Deficiency in Swine.

Summary1. Twenty-three swine were fed a diet deficient in lysine. In addition, 5 swine were given hexahomoserine (6-hydroxy-DL-norleucine), a lysine antagonist. 2. All animals developed a normocytic, normochromic anemia, which was accompanied by hypoalbuminemia and hypocupremia. No alterations from the normal were noted in the plasma iron concentration or in bone marrow morphology. The anemia responded rapidly to administration of lysine. 3. The data presented indicate that lysine is essential for normal erythropoiesis in swine.
Brain imaging as a predictor of early functional outcome following traumatic brain injury in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Objectives: A depth of lesion (DOL) model using brain imaging has been proposed to aid in medical decision-making and planning for rehabilitation resource needs. The purpose of this study was to determine the early prognostic value of a DOL classification system for children and young adults following severe traumatic brain injury. Methods and Outcome measures: CT/MRI brain imaging studies on 92 patients, aged 3 to 21, admitted to the Kluge Children's Rehabilitation Center, University of Virginia, were evaluated to determine DOL. Images were classified according to 5 DOL levels (cortical to brainstem). Functional outcomes in mobility, self-care, and cognition, as rated on the WeeFIM instrument, were compared by DOL levels. Results: Admission WeeFIM scores were significantly different for the DOL levels with the highest score for frontal and/or temporal lesions and the lowest for lesions including the brainstem or cerebellum (P <.001). However, the deeper the lesion, the greater the functional gains (P =.05), resulting in discharge WeeFIM scores that were not significantly different across DOL levels. Patients with deeper lesions tended to have longer lengths of stay in rehabilitation but were able to "catch up" with patients who had more superficial lesions. Concllusions: While relatively simple and convenient, the DOL classification system is limited in its usefulness as an early prognostic tool. It may not be possible to predict outcome in the early acute phase in the intensive care unit on the basis of standard brain imaging alone. Patients with deeper lesions may enter rehabilitation at a more impaired level but can make remarkable progress, though it may take longer than for less severely injured individuals.
Deep-sea hydrocarbon seep gastropod Bathynerita naticoidea responds to cues from the habitat-providing mussel Bathymodiolus childressi

Bathynerita naticoidea (Gastropoda: Neritidae) is a numerically dominant heterotrophic gastropod found at hydrocarbon seep sites on the upper Louisiana slope of the Gulf of Mexico. Snails of this species are commonly associated with beds of the methanotrophic mussel Bathymodiolus childressi (Bivalvia: Mytilidae), and their population structure mirrors that of the mussels they are found among. Previous studies have shown that these snails feed on bacteria and decomposing periostracum on the B. childressi shell. We predicted that B. naticoidea might be attracted to cues specific to its preferred habitat, such as dissolved methane, mucus from conspecific snails, or metabolites produced by B. childressi mussels. To examine this, we used a flow-through Y-maze system to investigate the behavior of B. naticoidea exposed to these potential cues. We found that the nerite is not attracted to methane, but is strongly attracted to seawater conditioned with B. childressi. The attractant appears to be specific to this type of mussel, and is not a soluble cue produced by conspecific snails.
Effect of temperature on lubricity of lubricating silicones

Abstract The chemistry of silicones and the effect of structure and temperature on their performance as lubricants is briefly reviewed. Using the four ball lubricant tester, three silicones differing only in viscosity (5 cS, 50 cS and 2000 cS at 77°F) showed sharp transitions in both wear and friction with temperature. This effect of temperature on lubricity has two mechanisms. In the absence of air, temperature disorients the polymer, thinning the film and allowing metal-to-metal contact. In the presence of air, oxide films help to support the load.
LABORATORY IDENTITY: A LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS OF PERSONALIZED SPACE WITHIN A MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORY

This study provides insights into what constitutes a laboratory identity and the ways in which it is spatially constructed. This article explores students' professional identities as microbiologists as manifest in their usage of representational space in a laboratory and as such extends understandings of science identity and spatial identity. The data for this study consist of comprehensive digital photography (static and Gigapan) and interviews. Results of the study show that the size of workspace areas reflected educational status within the laboratory with higher the educational levels being assigned larger working bench space. The analysis of multimodal additions to workspace reveals three social functions: (1) personalization of science and laboratory space; (2) the announcement of professional ability; and (3) the reinforcement of laboratory community relations. This study establishes laboratory identity as a multifaceted construct that includes scientific ability, feelings for laboratory community ...
Absorption of X-rays in inhomogeneous histo- and cytological samples

Abstract A formula has been derived showing the effect of inhomogeneously distributed absorbing substance on the accuracy of X-ray microabsorption measurements.
Move Out and Forget It: An Exploratory Look at the Effects of Deployment on the Education of Military Personnel

Situational and institutional barriers to adult learning are common. Some people circumvent these barriers. They save money or pursue scholarships to fund their education. They find ways to organiz...
Apparent molar volumes and apparent molar heat capacities of aqueous solutions ofα- andβ-cyclodextrins at temperatures from 278.15 K to 393.15 K and at the pressure 0.35 MPa

Apparent molar heat capacities Cp, φand apparent molar volumesVφ were determined for aqueous solutions of α - and β -cyclodextrins at temperatures from 278.15 K to 393.15 K and at the pressure 0.35 MPa. The molalities investigated ranged from 0.008 mol · kg − 1to 0.12 mol · kg − 1forα -cyclodextrin and from 0.004 mol · kg − 1to 0.014 mol · kg − 1for β -cyclodextrin. We used a vibrating-tube densimeter (DMA 512P, Anton PAAR, Austria) to determine the densities and volumetric properties. Heat capacities were obtained using a twin fixed-cell, power-compensation, differential-output, temperature-scanning calorimeter (NanoDSC 6100, Calorimetry Sciences Corporation, Spanish Fork, UT, USA). Equations were fit by regression to our experimental (Vφ, T, m) and (Cp, φ,T , m) results. Infinite dilution partial molar volumes V2oand heat capacities Cp,2owere obtained over the range of temperatures by extrapolation of these surfaces to m = 0.
To Aggregate or Not to Aggregate: Steps for Developing and Validating Higher-Order Multidimensional Constructs

The use of higher-order multidimensional constructs (i.e., latent constructs comprised of standalone variables) in the organizational psychology and behavior literatures is becoming commonplace. Despite their advantages (e.g., greater parsimony and bandwidth), the development and validation of such constructs often unfolds in an indiscriminant fashion. It is not surprising, then, that much debate has arisen regarding the viability of many higher-order constructs. In this article, we outline ten recommendations for improving the construct- and criterion-related validity of higher-order constructs. Chief among these recommendations include the need for researchers to specify precise theoretical and empirical inclusion criteria, to rule out alternative explanations for the emergence of a higher-order factor and to assess incremental and relative importance. To illustrate how these recommendations play out, we apply them to core self-evaluation as an example. We believe that higher-order constructs may offer unique insight into work-relevant phenomena, provided they are established via rigorous means.
Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Organogold Reagents

Organogold compounds undergo nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions with aryl and vinyl bromides in high yield under mild conditions. The reaction tolerates both electron-rich and electron-poor organogold complexes, and olefinic bromides undergo cross-coupling with high stereoselectivity. This novel transformation links well-established nickel catalysis with more recent developments in organogold transformations.
Na+/I− Symporter Activity Requires a Small and Uncharged Amino Acid Residue at Position 395

Active iodide uptake in the thyroid is mediated by the Na+/I− symporter (NIS), a key plasma membrane glycoprotein. Several NIS mutations have been shown to cause I− transport defect, a condition that, if untreated, can lead to congenital hypothyroidism and, ultimately, cretinism. The study of I− transport defect-causing NIS mutations provides valuable insights into the structure-function and mechanistic properties of NIS. Here we report the thorough analysis of the G395R NIS mutation. We observed no I− uptake activity at saturating or even supersaturating external I− concentrations in COS-7 cells transiently transfected with G395R NIS cDNA, even though we demonstrated normal expression of G395R NIS and proper targeting to the plasma membrane. Several amino acid substitutions at position 395 showed that the presence of an uncharged amino acid residue with a small side chain at position 395 is required for NIS function, suggesting that glycine 395 is located in a tightly packed region of NIS. Substitutions ...
Tumor derived exosome induction of the CD3+CD8+ T cell tolerogenic phenotype

Meeting abstracts Traditionally, CD8+ T cells have been defined as being immunogenic; however, they have also been shown to demonstrate a tolerogenic phenotype. One area less studied, regarding the tolerogenic phenotype of CD8+ T cells, is their role in cancer. What has been described is that their
Issues in the introduction of computer and information technology in human services

Abstract The introduction of computers and information technology into the human services requires that particular attention be paid to a number of issues. These include the need for mastery of substantive content prior to introduction of the technology, the definition of computer literacy appropriate to the field, the relative importance of micro- and mainframe computing for practitioners, creation of an adequate reward system for system development, and proper consideration for the sensitive issue of who controls the technology within human services.
Irrational beliefs, optimism, pessimism, and psychological distress: A preliminary examination of differential effects in a college population

The present study compared the effects of irrational beliefs measured by the Survey of Personal Beliefs (SPB) and optimism and pessimism as measured by the revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) on depressive and anxious symptoms 6 weeks later. Results of analysis of variances for both measures of psychological distress indicated a significant main effect for pessimism only. Implications for Ellis Rational Emotive Therapy are discussed.
Comparison of two methods for analysis of aflatoxin M1 in milk.

Abstract The cellulose chromatography method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists for determination of Aflatoxin M 1 was compared with a two-dimensional thin layer chromatography procedure. The minimum detectable Aflatoxin M 1 by the Official procedure was approximately .01 μ g/kg while the thin layer chromatography procedure has a claimed sensitivity of .004 μ g/kg. Analyses of milk samples by thin layer chromatography agreed with results of the Official procedure in the range of .01 to .25 μ g/liter. Each method consistently yielded recoveries greater than 87%, and there was no significant difference between means or variances of each method. The thin layer chromatography method took less time than the Official method and showed a reproducible lower threshold sensitivity of .005 μ g/liter.
Integrated approach for the identification of human hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α target genes using protein binding microarrays

Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is essential for liver function and is linked to several diseases including diabetes, hemophilia, atherosclerosis, and hepatitis. Although many DNA response elements and target genes have been identified for HNF4α, the complete repertoire of binding sites and target genes in the human genome is unknown. Here, we adapt protein binding microarrays (PBMs) to examine the DNA-binding characteristics of two HNF4α species (rat and human) and isoforms (HNF4α2 and HNF4α8) in a high-throughput fashion. We identified ∼1400 new binding sequences and used this dataset to successfully train a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model that predicts an additional ∼10,000 unique HNF4α-binding sequences; we also identify new rules for HNF4α DNA binding. We performed expression profiling of an HNF4α RNA interference knockdown in HepG2 cells and compared the results to a search of the promoters of all human genes with the PBM and SVM models, as well as published genome-wide location analysis. Using this integrated approach, we identified ∼240 new direct HNF4α human target genes, including new functional categories of genes not typically associated with HNF4α, such as cell cycle, immune function, apoptosis, stress response, and other cancer-related genes. Conclusion: We report the first use of PBMs with a full-length liver-enriched transcription factor and greatly expand the repertoire of HNF4α-binding sequences and target genes, thereby identifying new functions for HNF4α. We also establish a web-based tool, HNF4 Motif Finder, that can be used to identify potential HNF4α-binding sites in any sequence. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Fusion of chick embryo skeletal myoblasts: role of calcium influx preceding membrane union.

Abstract Extracellular calcium is required for normal progression through the initial recognition-alignment phase of myogenesis. We have found that a net calcium influx into fusion-competent myoblasts is a requisite step in membrane fusion, in addition to the previously demonstrated requirement for extracellular calcium. This conclusion is based on the following evidence: (1) a measurable increase in net calcium influx occurs just prior to fusion; (2) ethylene glycol bis(β-aminoethyl ether) N,N′-teraacetic acid can block the fusion process at a stage after alignment but prior to membrane union; (3) the calcium ionophore A23187 induces precocious fusion; and (4) the calcium channel blocker D600 inhibits cell fusion but not alignment. Based on ultrastructural analyses of other investigators, we suggest a mechanism whereby the increase in intracellular calcium could trigger membrane union between two aligned, aposed, fusion-competent myoblasts.
N-Nitrosamines from the decarboxylation of α-nitrosamino acids☆

Abstract The thermal decarboxylation of sodium salts of N-nitroso α-amino acids in triglyme at reflux affords the corresponding N-nitrosamines in fair to excellent yields. N-Nitroso-N-benzyl α-phenylglycine undergoes decarboxylation to N-nitrosodibenzylamine (70%) in o -dichlorobenzene at reflux.
Sarcomere length uniformity determined from three-dimensional reconstructions of resting isolated heart cell striation patterns

A- and I-band striation positions have been obtained, three-dimensionally reconstructed, and statistically analyzed from the volumes of resting isolated heart cells. Striation patterns from optically discrete subvolumes are imaged along the length of these myocytes with a computer-interfaced optical microscope imaging system. Planar striation maps are reconstructed by the computer from sequentially obtained striation pattern images displaced across the width or depth of the cell in controlled steps. Multiple planar maps are combined to form full three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructions that illustrate the sarcomeric structure and ordering throughout the volume of the cell. These reconstructions demonstrate a high degree of striation registration throughout most regions of cardiac cells. The striation registration is often slightly (less than 10 degrees) skewed across the width or depth of nearly every cell and is occasionally disrupted between adjacent groups of sarcomeres. These disruptions in registration are always associated with the locations of the nuclei. Rigorous statistical analyses indicate small volumetric regions of the cell delineated by these disruptions can have significantly (0.014–0.113 micron) shorter or longer average sarcomere length periodicities. Unlike skeletal muscle "fibrillenstruktur," these data from cardiac cells exhibit no evidence of helical packing schemes for sarcomere order. These observations suggest that the relatively large nuclei displace and disrupt the normal registration of the sarcomeres, which is probably mediated by internal cytoskeletal structures.
Adult stature and age at menarche in Zapotec‐speaking communities in the Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, in a secular perspective

Adult stature and the age at menarche among individuals from Zapotec-speaking communities in the Valley of Oaxaca in southern Mexico are considered in a secular perspective. Four sets of observations are utilized: 1) adult stature in males and females from five rural communities; 2) age at menarche in adult women and school girls from a single rural community; 3) earlier studies of adult stature in the Valley of Oaxaca; and 4) estimated stature from long bones excavated in various archaeological sites in the Valley of Oaxaca. There were no significant differences among the five communities for stature; hence, the data were pooled for analysis and comparison. Results of linear regression of stature and stature adjusted for the estimated effects of aging after 30 years of age on year of birth indicate negligible secular changes in either sex. Comparisons with statures from earlier surveys, the earliest dates to 1899, also indicate negligible changes. When adult women are grouped according to age, there are no differences in mean ages at menarche between the older and younger women. Mean age at menarche for the total adult sample is 14.53 +/- 0.08 years, which compares favorably with the probit estimate for school girls, 14.70 +/- 0.32 years. These results thus suggest virtually no secular change in adult size and maturity of the Zapotec-speaking population in the Valley of Oaxaca over the past 80 years. Differences in stature between contemporary populations and estimated statures from long bones from several archaeological sites in Oaxaca are small, and thus suggests little secular change over the past one to two-thousand years.
DPP10 splice variants are localized in distinct neuronal populations and act to differentially regulate the inactivation properties of Kv4-based ion channels

Abstract Dipeptidyl peptidase-like proteins (DPLs) and Kv-channel-interacting proteins (KChIPs) join Kv4 pore-forming subunits to form multi-protein complexes that underlie subthreshold A-type currents (ISA) in neuronal somatodendritic compartments. Here, we characterize the functional effects and brain distributions of N-terminal variants belonging to the DPL dipeptidyl peptidase 10 (DPP10). In the Kv4.2 + KChIP3 + DPP10 channel complex, all DPP10 variants accelerate channel gating kinetics; however, the splice variant DPP10a produces uniquely fast inactivation kinetics that accelerates with increasing depolarization. This DPP10a-specific inactivation dominates in co-expression studies with KChIP4a and other DPP10 isoforms. Real-time qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization analyses reveal differential expression of DPP10 variants in rat brain. DPP10a transcripts are prominently expressed in the cortex, whereas DPP10c and DPP10d mRNAs exhibit more diffuse distributions. Our results suggest that DPP10a underlies rapid inactivation of cortical ISA, and the regulation of isoform expression may contribute to the variable inactivation properties of ISA across different brain regions.
Enhancing relationship perceptions by reducing felt inferiority: The role of attachment style

To trust in a romantic partner’s acceptance and love, people need to believe they are just as good a person as their partner (and that their partner shares this perception). Yet, people low in attachment security may have difficulty sustaining these beliefs. Two experiments examined the consequences of reducing felt inferiority to the partner. Participants high in attachment anxiety (Experiment 1) and attachment avoidance (Experiment 2) reported greater confidence in their partner’s acceptance and love and attached greater value to their partner when led to feel (or to believe their partner saw them as) superior to their partner. Thus, reducing felt inferiority may effectively enhance relationship perceptions for people relatively low in attachment security.
The effect of thermal core–mantle interactions on the palaeomagnetic secular variation

We compare a numerical dynamo model with a model of the palaeosecular variation and find that, although there is good agreement in the meridional distribution of the secular variation, the amplitude of secular variation in the dynamo model is too small. Increasing the Rayleigh number does little to increase the amplitude of the secular variation, while it increases the axial dipole component of the field to geophysically unreasonably large values. However, by introducing lateral variations in heat flux across the core–mantle boundary into the dynamo model, we are able to match the amplitude of the secular variation. In addition, we find that the dynamo model then exhibits persistently anomalous behaviour beneath the Pacific region.
Discriminant Saliency, the Detection of Suspicious Coincidences, and Applications to Visual Recognition

A discriminant formulation of top-down visual saliency, intrinsically connected to the recognition problem, is proposed. The new formulation is shown to be closely related to a number of classical principles for the organization of perceptual systems, including infomax, inference by detection of suspicious coincidences, classification with minimal uncertainty, and classification with minimum probability of error. The implementation of these principles with computational parsimony, by exploitation of the statistics of natural images, is investigated. It is shown that Barlow's principle of inference by the detection of suspicious coincidences enables computationally efficient saliency measures which are nearly optimal for classification. This principle is adopted for the solution of the two fundamental problems in discriminant saliency, feature selection and saliency detection. The resulting saliency detector is shown to have a number of interesting properties, and act effectively as a focus of attention mechanism for the selection of interest points according to their relevance for visual recognition. Experimental evidence shows that the selected points have good performance with respect to 1) the ability to localize objects embedded in significant amounts of clutter, 2) the ability to capture information relevant for image classification, and 3) the richness of the set of visual attributes that can be considered salient.
Price setting, imperfect information, and the law of one price*

This paper uses a two-country model to investigate the effects of price-setting behavior, with menu costs, imperfect information, and flexible exchange rates, on deviations from the law of one price. When last minute price revision is costly, and when the variances of real and nominal disturbances are similar such that the information content of financial variables is low, then firms might choose not to adjust domestic currency and foreign currency prices to signals from observable financial variables. When a subset of prices adjusts, the most likely candidates are export prices. However, the adjustment will fall short of that needed for the law of one price.
Frame Synchronization Techniques

A basic theory of frame synchronization for a singlechannel digital communication system is presented, along with extensive references to the literature. The design of frame markers is discussed and comparisons are drawn with more exotic techniques such as comma-free coding.
Suppression of Viral RNA Recombination by a Host Exoribonuclease

RNA viruses of humans, animals, and plants evolve rapidly due to mutations and RNA recombination. A previous genome-wide screen in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a model host, identified five host genes, including XRN1, encoding a 5'-3' exoribonuclease, whose absence led to an approximately 10- to 50-fold enhancement of RNA recombination in Tomato bushy stunt virus (E. Serviene, N. Shapka, C. P. Cheng, T. Panavas, B. Phuangrat, J. Baker, and P. D. Nagy, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:10545-10550, 2005). In this study, we found abundant 5'-truncated viral RNAs in xrn1delta mutant strains but not in the parental yeast strains, suggesting that these RNAs might serve as recombination substrates promoting RNA recombination in xrn1delta mutant yeast. This model is supported by data showing that an enhanced level of viral recombinant accumulation occurred when two different 5'-truncated viral RNAs were expressed in the parental and xrn1delta mutant yeast strains or electroporated into plant protoplasts. Moreover, we demonstrate that purified Xrn1p can degrade the 5'-truncated viral RNAs in vitro. Based on these findings, we propose that Xrn1p can suppress viral RNA recombination by rapidly removing the 5'-truncated RNAs, the substrates of recombination, and thus reducing the chance for recombination to occur in the parental yeast strain. In addition, we show that the 5'-truncated viral RNAs are generated by host endoribonucleases. Accordingly, overexpression of the Ngl2p endoribonuclease led to an increased accumulation of cleaved viral RNAs in vivo and in vitro. Altogether, this paper establishes that host ribonucleases and host-mediated viral RNA turnover play major roles in RNA virus recombination and evolution.
Effect of practice on standardised learning outcomes in simulation-based medical education

OBJECTIVES This report synthesises a subset of 31 journal articles on high-fidelity simulation-based medical education containing 32 research studies drawn from a larger qualitative review published previously. These studies were selected because they present adequate data to allow for quantitative synthesis. We hypothesised an association between hours of practice in simulation-based medical education and standardised learning outcomes measured as weighted effect sizes. METHODS Journal articles were screened using 5 exclusion and inclusion criteria. Response data were extracted and 3 judges independently coded each study. Learning outcomes were standardised using a common metric, the average weighted effect size (AWES), due to the heterogeneity of response measures in individual studies. ANOVA was used to evaluate AWES differences due to hours of practice on a highfidelity medical simulator cast in 5 categories. The eta squared (g 2 ) statistic was used to assess the association between AWES and simulator practice hours. RESULTS There is a strong association (g 2 ! 0.46) between hours of practice on high-fidelity medical simulators and standardised learning outcomes. The association approximates a dose‐response relationship. CONCLUSIONS Hours of high-fidelity simulator practice have a positive, functional relationship with standardised learning outcomes in medical education. More rigorous research methods and more stringent journal editorial policies are needed to advance this field of medical education research.
Direct measurement of nonlinear WDM crosstalk using coherent optical detection

We present a direct measurement of the inter-channel Kerr effect on the optical field of a continuous-wave probe affected by an on-off-keyed 10 Gb/s pump. Measurements are used to verify predictions of the Manakov-PMD equation.
Effects of physical stress on the synthesis and degradation of cartilage matrix.

The effects of mechanical stress on the metabolism of dog femoral head cartilage have been investigated. The model involves exercising the dog on a treadmill for an 8-month period and isolating the cartilage proteoglycans from three different anatomical regions of the femoral head. These regions are 11 the articulating area, which shows degenerative changes, 2) the area surrounding the articulating area, and 3) the non-articulating area. The hexosamine analysis of cartilage from the exercised animals, indicates 43% and 21% decreases in regions 1 and 2, respectively, while in region 3 no significant change was observed. The size of the proteoglycan aggregates and monomers also decreased with exercise in regions 1 and 2, and the cartilage from these two regions also incorporated more radioactive sulfate, suggesting a possible attempt to repair the degenerative alterations. The proteoglycan monomer (D1) from the articulating region of exercised dogs failed to interact with hyaluronic acid, while the monomers...
Serial updating rule for blind separation derived from the method of scoring

In the context of blind source separation, the method of scoring based on the inverse of the Fisher information matrix (FIM) becomes the serial updating learning rule with an equivariant property. This learning rule can be simplified to a low-complexity algorithm by using the asymptotic form of the FTM around the equilibrium. The simplified learning rule is still general enough to include some existing equivariant blind separation algorithms as its special cases.
Calcium phosphate ceramics promote the expression of bone cell markers in human mesenchymal stem cells

For bone tissue regeneration utilizing mesenchymal stem cells, it is important to use a scaffold that supports differentiation yet be fully degradable over time so as to promote full repair and remodeling of the defect. This study investigated the osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs on varying ratios of hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) ceramic scaffolds. The faster degrading ratio of 20% HA/80% TCP was compared with the slower/nonresorbable formulation of 60/40 hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) ceramic. MSCs were grown on these ceramics in the presence or absence (control) of osteogenic supplements in the media. Calcium and phosphate ion release in the culture media was also examined over time. Alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher for MSCs grown in control media on 20/80 HA/TCP ceramics than MSCs on tissue culture plastic and 60/40 HA/TCP at days 21 and 28. Osteocalcin was expressed by MSCs on 20/80 HA/TCP in control media, but not detected for MSCs grown on 60/40 HA/TCP and tissue culture plastic. In addition, the calcium level in the culture media containing MSCs on 60/40 HA/TCP decreased significantly at day 4 and remained below 1mM for up to 28 days. Whereas calcium levels in the culture media containing 20/80 HA/TCP decreased slightly at day 4 and remained relatively stable over time. This study has shown that 20/80 HA/TCP has a stimulatory effect on human MSCs differentiation into the bone cell phenotype as characterized by expression of high levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin production.
Direct Compression Controlled Release Tablets Using Ethylcellulose Matrices

AbstractControlled release erodible matrix tablets were manufactured by a simple, direct compression process using ethylcellulose alone as the matrix former. Each of four different viscosity grades of ethylcellulose (10, 20, 45 and 100 cp) was dry mixed with either indomethacin or theophylline and a small amount of lubricant, then directly compressed into tablets. In initial trials, compression force was held constant, resulting in tablets of varying hardness. In a second study, the compression force was varied to produce tablets of equal hardness. Lower viscosity grades of ethylcellulose were more compressible than higher viscosity grades, allowing production of harder tablets for a given drug. Harder tablets resulted in controlled release of the drug over a longer time period. Dissolution studies indicated that tablet hardness is more important in determining dissolution rate than is the polymer viscosity grade. A mathematical model combining diffusion and erosion mechanisms was developed to describe dr...
A Comparative Analysis of Financial Professionals’ Perception of the Level of Graduating Business Student Retirement Planning Familiarity, Motivation, and Preparedness

Academic, government, employer, and individual interest in personal financial literacy have mushroomed as financial decision making has become more complex, costly, and less paternalistic. Financial illiteracy in America manifests in many ways, including low levels of personal saving, high levels of personal debt, negative financial wealth, a decline in standard of living, and increased demand on social safety networks. For college students, of particular concern is the high level of public and private debt accrued while working toward a degree. It is important to understand how prepared households are for retirement planning decisions and which factors can improve their preparedness. We show that financial education is impactful in reducing financial illiteracy, and provides evidence that taking a personal risk management and insurance course helps to prepare college students to make retirement decisions. Second, we provide evidence that life stage explains differences (similarities) in how professionals self-rate the importance, familiarity, and motivation to plan and save for retirement versus their opinion on how vital the questions should be to students. Finally, additional evidence is provided showing that demographic characteristics explain differences in the importance and motivation to plan and save for retirement and in the familiarity that respondents have with retirement planning and saving products.
Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteriophage Φ241 isolated from an industrial cucumber fermentation at high acidity and salinity

A novel phage, 241, specific for Escherichia coli O157:H7 was isolated from an industrial cucumber fermentation where both acidity (pH  3.7) and salinity ( 5% NaCl) were high. The phage belongs to the Myoviridae family. Its latent period was 15 min and average burst size was 53 phage particles per infected cell. The phage was able to lyse 48 E. coli O157:H7 strains, but none of the 18 non-O157 strains (including E. coli O104:H7) or the 2 O antigen-negative mutants of O157:H7 strain, 43895per (also lacking H7 antigen) and F12 (still expressing H7 antigen). However, the phage was able to lyse a per-complemented strain (43895perComp) which expresses O157 antigen. These results indicated that phage 241 is specific for O157 antigen, and E. coli strains lacking O157 antigen were resistant to the phage infection, regardless of the presence or absence of H7 antigen. SDS-PAGE profile revealed at least 13 structural proteins of the phage. The phage DNA was resistant to many commonly used restriction endonucleases, suggesting the presence of modified nucleotides in the phage genome. At the multiplicity of infection of 10, 3 or 0.3, the phage caused a rapid cell lysis within 1 or 2 h, resulting in 3.5- or 4.5-log-unit reduction in cell concentration. The high lytic activity, specificity and tolerance to low pH and high salinity make phage 241 a potentially ideal biocontrol agent of E. coli O157:H7 in various foods. To our knowledge, this is the first report on E. coli O157:H7 phage isolated from high acidity and salinity environment.
CYTOTOXIC, FUNGICIDAL NUCLEOSIDES FROM BLUE GREEN ALGAE BELONGING TO THE SCYTONEMATACEAE

Tubercidin, toyocamycin, and the corresponding 5'-alpha-D-glucopyranose derivatives of the nucleosides are frequently responsible for much of the cytotoxicity and antimycotic activity associated with extracts of cultured cyanophytes belonging to the family Scytonemataceae. The 5'-alpha-D-glucopyranoses of tubercidin and toyocamycin, for example, are the major cytotoxic and fungicidal nucleosides in Fijian Plectonema radiosum and Hawaiian Tolypothrix tenuis, respectively.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the United States Bill of Rights: a Comparison

Although formal constitutional provisions are not exhaustive of the individual rights enjoyed by citizens of Canada or of the United States, a comparison of the new Canadian Charter and the United States Bill of Rights is illuminating. After discussing certain general topics relating to the scope of protected rights, including the requirement of governmental action, the assertion of affirmative rights and the degree of protection offered to victims of the incidental effects of discrimination, this article undertakes a comprehensive cataloguing of rights protected by the relevant United States and Canadian provisions. The article concludes that, in broad outline, the list of rights textually protected in each country is similar, but that there are distinctions which may be of importance, depending upon the approach taken ultimately by the Canadian judiciary. For example, the Charter seems to provide greater opportunities to assert collective minority rights than does the U.S. Bill of Rights. On the other hand, the Charter does not prohibit the "establishment" of religion, nor does it protect property rights explicitly. Drawing upon the wealth of United States case law, this article suggests potential difficulties for Canadian courts grappling with the Charter, and points to some possible solutions that have been devised by U.S. courts dealing with similar problems.