cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tender Affective States as Predictors of Entertainment Preference

Four studies were conducted to explore how tender affective states (e.g., warmth, sympathy, understanding) predict attraction to entertainment that features poignant, dramatic, or tragic portrayals. Studies 1 and 2 found that tenderness was associated with greater interest in viewing sad films. Studies 3 and 4 found that tender affective states were associated with preferences for entertainment featuring not only sad portrayals but also entertainment featuring drama and human connection. Results are discussed in terms of how these forms of entertainment may provide viewers the opportunity to contemplate the poignancies of human life—an activity that may reflect motivations of media use related to meaningfulness or insight rather than only the experience of pleasure.
Heme/Hydrogen Peroxide Reactivity: Formation of Paramagnetic Iron Oxophlorin Isomers by Treatment of Iron Porphyrins with Hydrogen Peroxide

Treatment of iron(II) porphyrins, (py)2FeII(OEP), (py)2FeII(EtioP), (py)2FeII(DeuteroP), (py)2FeII(MesoP), and (py)2FeII(ProtoP), where OEP are the dianions of octaethylporphyrin, etio-1 porphyrin, deuteroporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester, mesoporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester, and protoporphyrin-IX dimethyl ester, with hydrogen peroxide in pyridine-d5 at −30 °C in the strict absence of dioxygen is shown to result in clean oxygenation of the heme and the formation of oxophlorin complexes, (py)2Fe(OEPO), (py)2Fe(EtioPO), (py)2Fe(DeuteroPO), (py)2Fe(MesoPO), and (py)2Fe(ProtoPO). Reactions have been monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The product oxophlorin complexes are stable as long as the samples are protected from exposure to dioxygen. The hyperfine shift patterns and the relative intensities of the individual resonances have been analyzed in terms of a model in which the location of the meso oxygen substituent dominates the pattern of spin density distribution. The resulting 1H NMR spectra obtained from oxidation o...
Melittin: toxicity to Drosophila and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase.

Abstract The bee venom peptide melittin has been found to be highly toxic in vivo to Drosophila larvae. It is also a noncompetitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. In both cases the cations Na + , K + , and Mg 2+ are strongly antagonistic to the effects of the peptide. It appears that the toxicity of melittin is due to membrane disruption, with a differential sensitivity among different cell types although inhibition of acetylcholinesterase may also be involved.
Barriers to decay in conifer roots

The process of compartmentalization, including the formation of barrier zones, localized discolored and decayed wood in roots of balsam fir, red spruce, eastern hemlock, white pine, and tamarack. The decay was caused by Armillaria mellea (Vahl. ex Fr.) Quel. and unidentified hymenomycetes. The most effective “walls” to decay were composed of resin ducts and parenchyma cells. Cylindrical patterns of decay formed due to tangential bands of resin ducts and parenchyma. In response to injury, conifer roots increase production of parenchyma cells which accumulate polyhenols. Three types of parenchyma may be produced: that associated with resin ducts, xylem rays, and tangential rings of cells resembling marginal parenchyma.
A Binding Site for the Kringle II Domain of Prothrombin in the Apple 1 Domain of Factor XI

Previously we defined binding sites for high molecular weight kininogen (HK) and thrombin in the Apple 1 (A1) domain of factor XI (FXI). Since prothrombin (and Ca(2+)) can bind FXI and can substitute for HK (and Zn(2+)) as a cofactor for FXI binding to platelets, we have attempted to identify a prothrombin-binding site in FXI. The recombinant A1 domain (rA1, Glu(1)-Ser(90)) inhibited the saturable, specific and reversible binding of prothrombin to FXI, whereas neither the rA2 domain (Ser(90)-Ala(181)), rA3 domain (Ala(181)-Val(271)), nor rA4 domain (Phe(272)-Glu(361)) inhibited prothrombin binding to FXI. Kinetic binding studies using surface plasmon resonance showed binding of FXI (K(d) approximately 71 nm) and the rA1 domain (K(d) approximately 239 nm) but not rA2, rA3, or rA4 to immobilized prothrombin. Reciprocal binding studies revealed that synthetic peptides (encompassing residues Ala(45)-Ser(86)) containing both HK- and thrombin-binding sites, inhibit (125)I-rA1 (Glu(1)-Ser(90)) binding to prothrombin, (125)I-prothrombin binding to FXI, and (125)I-prothrombin fragment 2 (Ser(156)-Arg(271)) binding to FXI. However, homologous prekallikrein-derived peptides (encompassing Pro(45)-Gly(86)) did not inhibit FXI rA1 binding to prothrombin. The peptides Ala(45)-Arg(54), Phe(56)-Val(71), and Asp(72)-Ser(86), derived from sequences of the A1 domain of FXI, acted synergistically to inhibit (125)I-rA1 binding to prothrombin. Mutant rA1 peptides (V64A and I77A), which did not inhibit FXI binding to HK, retained full capacity to inhibit rA1 domain binding to prothrombin, and mutant rA1 peptides Ala(45)-Ala(54) (D51A) and Val(59)-Arg(70) (E66A), which did not inhibit FXI binding to thrombin, retained full capacity to inhibit rA1 domain binding to prothrombin. Thus, these experiments demonstrate that a prothrombin binding site exists in the A1 domain of FXI spanning residues Ala(45)-Ser(86) that is contiguous with but separate and distinct from the HK- and thrombin-binding sites and that this interaction occurs through the kringle II domain of prothrombin.
Forced Folding of a Disordered Protein Accesses an Alternative Folding Landscape

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are involved in diverse cellular functions. Many IDPs can interact with multiple binding partners, resulting in their folding into alternative ligand-specific functional structures. For such multi-structural IDPs, a key question is whether these multiple structures are fully encoded in the protein sequence, as is the case in many globular proteins. To answer this question, here we employed a combination of single-molecule and ensemble techniques to compare ligand-induced and osmolyte-forced folding of α-synuclein. Our results reveal context-dependent modulation of the protein’s folding landscape, suggesting that the codes for the protein’s native folds are partially encoded in its primary sequence, and are completed only upon interaction with binding partners. Our findings suggest a critical role for cellular interactions in expanding the repertoire of folds and functions available to disordered proteins.
THE ISOPODIC AND EQUIPOTENT PRINCIPLES FOR COMPARING FACTOR SCORES ACROSS DIFFERENT POPULATIONS

The need to compare factor score estimates across groups differing in age and culture, for example, can be met whenever some variables, factored in all the groups to be compared, are identical. Within the ordinary factor analytic procedures, an equipotent method is described, which throws scores from different groups into a combined standard score distribution, and operates on the scores of each group with its own factor estimation weights, but with the matrices for all the groups brought to equipotency. A more satisfactory isopodic procedure is also proposed, using covariance factoring, after first reducing artificial metric differences among variables by ‘universe standardizing’ conversions. But a more radical attainment of the isopodic goat is reached if the mean standardized covariance matrix is applied to the raw score deviations of members of all groups, brought into a combined distribution on each variable.
SEMI-AUTOMATED SHOLL ANALYSIS FOR QUANTIFYING CHANGES IN GROWTH AND DIFFERENTIATION OF NEURONS AND GLIA

There is a need to develop therapies that promote growth or remyelination of mammalian CNS axons. Although the feasibility of pre-clinical treatment strategies should be tested in animal models, in vitro assays are usually faster and less expensive. As a result, in vitro models are ideal for screening large numbers of potential therapeutics prior to use in more complex in vivo systems. In 1953, Sholl introduced a technique that is a reliable and sensitive method for quantifying indices of neurite outgrowth. However, application of the technique is limited because it is labor-intensive. Several methods have been developed to reduce the analysis time for the Sholl technique; but these methods require extensive pre-processing of digital images, they introduce user bias or they have not been compared to manual analysis to ensure accuracy. Here we describe a new, semi-automated Sholl technique for quantifying neuronal and glial process morphology. Using MetaMorph, we developed an unbiased analysis protocol that can be performed approximately 3x faster than manual quantification with a comparable level of accuracy regardless of cell morphology. The laborious image processing typical of most computer-aided analysis is avoided by embedding image correction functions into the automated portion of the analysis. The sensitivity and validity of the technique was confirmed by quantifying neuron growth treated with growth factors or oligodendroglial maturation in the presence or absence of thyroid hormone. Thus, this technique provides a rapid and sensitive method for quantifying changes in cell morphology and screening for treatment effects in multiple cell types in vitro.
Derivative without limit

Abstract The derivative of a real, continuous function (and, in fact, of a more general one) can be defined in a way which is intuitively and geometrically suggestive but avoids limit of a difference quotient.
Measurement of both protein-bound and total S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanethiol (WR-1065) in blood by high-performance liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method for automated analysis of both protein-bound and total S-2-(3-aminopropylamino)ethanethiol (WR-1065) in blood has been developed in our laboratory. WR-1065 is the active thiol metabolite of the radio- and chemo-protector drug amifostine (WR-2721). Using WR-1065 quality control levels over the experimental range: 7.0, 45.0 and 85.0 μmol/l spiked into plasma, method validation for total WR-1065 included between-run assessment of imprecision (SD/C.V.%: 1.11/16.7%, 6.58/15.5% and 9.24/11.3%, respectively) and % accuracy (94.7, 106.0 and 97.2%).
Risk Analysis of Early Implant Loss after Immediate Breast Reconstruction: A Review of 14,585 Patients

Background Early prosthesis loss is an infrequent but serious complication after breast reconstruction. We assessed perioperative risk factors associated with early device loss after immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) using the ACS-NSQIP datasets. Study Design We reviewed the 2005 to 2011 ACS-NSQIP databases identifying encounters for CPT codes 19357 and 19340. Patients were identified as experiencing a "loss of graft/prosthetic" based on a standard dataset variable. Patients who experienced a device loss were compared with those who did not with respect to perioperative characteristics. Results We identified 14,585 patients with an average age of 50.9 ± 10.6 years. A multivariate regression analysis determined that age (>55 years) (odds ratio [OR] 1.66, p = 0.013) (risk score = 1), class II obesity (OR 3.17, p Conclusions Early device loss following IBR is a complex multifactorial process related to identifiable preoperative risk factors. This study demonstrated that age, obesity, smoking, bilateral procedures, and DTI reconstructions are associated with increased risk of implant loss.
Response of the West Bear Brook Watershed, Maine, USA, to the addition of (NH4)2SO4: 3-year results

Abstract Addition of 1800 eq (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 ha −1 year −1 for 3 years to a catchment that originally produced low acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) runoff has resulted in significant episodic acidification during high discharge and slight chronic acidification during base flow. These relationships imply that the response to chemical amendments is occurring largely in upper soil horizons and shallow flow paths. The principal responses in stream water chemistry include: elevated volume-weighted concentrations of NO 3 , SO 4 , base cations, Al, and H, coupled with decreased ANC. The export of dissolved organic carbon may have decreased slightly. Export of SiO 2 has not changed significantly; thus the increase in base cations is interpreted to be largely from desorption from soil. Effects of the manipulation increase from Year 1 to Year 2 to Year 3. Percentage retention of the added SO 4 is declining; retention of NH 4 remains at 100% while export of NO 3 is increasing with time, implying nitrogen saturation and an important change in N dynamics. The export of base cations and Al continues to increase.
Effect of parathyroid hormone on amino acid transport by cultured neonatal mouse calvarial bone cells

The effect of synthetic bovine parathyroid hormone [bPTH-(1-34)] on amino acid uptake by confluent primary cultures of osteoblast-like cells isolated from neonatal mouse calvaria was studied. The uptake of proline and leucine by membrane transport Systems A, ASC, and L was discriminated on the basis of their sodium dependency and sensitivity to the system-specific amino acid analogs 2-(methylamino)-isobutyric acid (MeAIB) for System A and 2-amino-(2,2,1)-heptane-2-carboxylic acid (BCH) for System L. Treatment with 24 nM bPTH-(1-34) in serum-free EBSS for 4 hr increased the initial uptake rate of proline by 50-80% but had no effect on the uptake of leucine. Temporally, the increase in proline uptake was preceded by a 2-hr lag period and plateaued after 5-6 hr. A 5-min exposure to the hormone was sufficient to cause a significant increase in proline uptake measured 4 hr later. The magnitude of the increase was dose-related from 0.24 to 240 nM bPTH-(1-34), with the half-maximal effect occurring at 2.4 nM. Only the sodium-dependent, MeAIB-inhibitable component of proline uptake was elevated. Eadie-Hofstee analysis indicated that bPTH-(1-34) increased Vmax without changing the Km. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide prevented the hormone-stimulated increase, suggesting that RNA and protein synthesis were required. Treatment with either inhibitor alone caused a 30-35% decrease in proline transport that was not observed in the presence of bPTH-(1-34), indicating an effect not dependent on macromolecular synthesis.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Computerized delineation of nuclei in liquid-based pap smears stained with immunohistochemical biomarkers.

Background Infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (hrHPVs) is a frequent cause of cervical intraepithelial neoplasias and carcinomas. The recently developed p16/Ki67 dual stain of cytologic preparations possesses superior specificity over current HPV testing for detecting moderate- and high-grade dysplasias and can potentially be applied in routine cytology screening. Image analysis can possibly improve the efficiency of evaluating Papanicolaou (Pap) smears, if dual-stained nuclei are accurately localized and reliably distinguished from the background of other cells. Methods Here, we describe a technique comprising color deconvolution, radial symmetry detector, and a superpixel-based segmentation for computerized delineation of nuclei in Pap smears stained with p16/Ki67. Results The performance of the method was determined by the precision and recall in 99 images (n = 19,323 cells) and reached 0.952 and 0.958, respectively. The accuracy of delineation, assessed by the Jaccard index (n = 1,080 cells), was 0.794. In single cells the precision and recall was higher than in clumps (P = 0.005). Conclusions In summary, the new technique delineates large and small nuclei irrespectively of coloration with a significantly better performance than a method solely involving the radial symmetry detector. Therefore, it is suited to automatically define nuclear areas for quantification of nuclear biomarkers in smears. © 2014 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Thermo-mechanical stress intensity factors evaluation

This paper deals with the evaluation of the static mixed-mode stress intensity factors in case of thermal and mechanical loadings. A method and a formulation based on the J-integral and the energy release rate formulation is developed. The numerical results emphasize the effects of the temperature field on the stress intensity factors; thus, we show that an increasing temperature in the direction of the crack increases the mode 1 stress intensity factor. In addition, the formulation is also applied to the computation of an experiment consisting in a precracked glass specimen into a temperature gradient induced by a water bath and an oven.
First in the measure of energetics in a swimming tetrapod.

![Figure][1] Gerald Kooyman discusses Henry Prange and Knut Schmidt-Nielsen's 1970 paper entitled: ‘The metabolic cost of swimming in ducks.’ A copy of the paper can be obtained from What is the nature of a classic paper? It
Stochastic Stability of Short-Run Market Equilibrium: Comment

I. Introduction, 161. — II. The discrete time model, 162. — III. Definitions, 162. — IV. Some theorems on the linear stochastic model, 163. — V. Application to Walrasian and Marshallian stability, 164. —VI. Conclusion, 166.
Serum bactericidal activity for Yersinia enterocolitica in hemodialysis patients: effects of iron overload and deferoxamine.

Human serum has been shown to be bactericidal for most strains of Yersinia enterocolitica . Systemic Y enterocolitica infections have been reported in iron-overloaded hemodialysis patients treated with deferoxamine. Both iron and deferoxamine are known to enhance the growth of Y enterocolitica . We inoculated sera from 12 hemodialysis patients whose serum ferritin levels ranged from 26 to 6,855 μg/mL (ng/mL), as well as three controls, with Yersinia organisms. After latencies of 0 to 24 hours, inoculated sera were then plated on blood agar. Bactericidal activity was demonstrated in all sera and the degree of activity did not correlate with ferritin levels. Bactericidal activity was also demonstrated in sera from three deferoxamine treated patients. We conclude that in vitro, sera of end-stage renal failure patients, with and without iron overload, are as bactericidal as control sera for Y enterocolitica and that deferoxamine therapy does not interfere with that bactericidal activity.
Altered thyroid hormone metabolism in advanced heart failure

To determine the prevalence and significance of abnormal thyroid hormone metabolism in congestive heart failure, free thyroxine (T4) index, free triiodothyronine (T3) index, reverse T3 and thyrotropin levels were obtained in 84 hospitalized patients with chronic advanced heart failure. Free T4 index was normal in all patients. Free T3 index was reduced or reverse T3 elevated, or both, leading to a low free T3 index/reverse T3 ratio in 49 (58%) of the 84 patients. A low free T3 index/reverse T3 ratio was associated with higher right atrial, pulmonary artery and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures and lower ejection fraction, cardiac index, serum sodium, albumin and total lymphocyte count. In multivariate analysis, the free T3 index/reverse T3 ratio was the only independent predictor of poor 6 week outcome (p less than 0.001); the actuarial 1 year survival rate was 100% for patients with a normal ratio and only 37% for those with a low ratio (p less than 0.0001). A low free T3 index/reverse T3 ratio is associated with poor ventricular function and nutritional status and is the strongest predictor yet identified for short-term outcome in patients with advanced heart failure.
Pulse disturbance impacts from a rare freeze event in Tampa, Florida on the exotic invasive Cuban treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, and native treefrogs.

This study documented exotic invasive Osteopilus septentrionalis and native treefrog use of artificial refugia in Tampa, Florida, USA, spanning approximately 3 years, with sampling from 1 year before and after (August 2008–November 2011) a record low temperature of −4 °C on January 11, 2010. Six pipes were inserted into the ground along the upland ecotone of 15 cypress domes located along a gradient of urban land use. Over 1000 treefrogs observations were made, with O. septentrionalis representing >70 % of total counts. Treefrog captures peaked in January–February 2009 and were temporally auto-correlated per site. O. septentrionalis counts declined following each freeze, and a fitted smoothing function for month indicated declines were cumulative, with a significant minimum in counts during the last freeze in February 2011. A concurrent seasonal peak in native treefrog counts led to a temporary loss of O. septentrionalis dominance from January to March 2011. Temperatures of −4 °C were sufficient to cause mortality of O. septentrionalis in PVC refugia; however, after autocorrelation was addressed no significant trend in native treefrogs was observed during the study. Multiseason occupancy models indicated probability of extinction for O. septentrionalis between freeze events did not differ significantly from native treefrogs, whereas a high probability of colonization between freeze events indicated O. septentrionalis may be resilient even to rare freezes. Trends in O. septentrionalis presence were not significant, and it was captured at 14/15 sites following the third freeze event, suggesting extirpation from freezing temperature may be unlikely for O. septentrionalis.
Modification of Vascular Function after Handgrip Exercise Training in 73- to90-yr-Old Men

Purpose: To examine the influence of a unilateral exercise training protocol on brachial artery reactivity (BAR) in 12 men (aged 81 +/- 5 yr). Methods: Brachial artery diameters and blood flow parameters were assessed, in both arms, using high-resolution ultrasonography, before and after 5 min of forearm occlusion, before and at the end of each week of a 4-wk training program. Training consisted of a unilateral handgrip training protocol (nondominant arm) at 60% of maximal voluntary handgrip strength, performed for 4 wk, 4 d[middle dot]wk-1, 20 min per session, and a cadence of one contraction per 4 s. Results: After training, handgrip strength increased 6.2% (baseline = 32.4 +/- 7.0 kg vs week 4 = 34.4 +/- 6.7 kg) in the trained arm only but failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.10). No statistical changes were observed for blood pressure or resting HR. In contrast, BAR increased 45% (Pre = 2.9% vs Post = 4.1%, P = 0.05) in the trained arm only. Improvements in BAR were observed after the second week of training, without significant changes in the main vasodilatory trigger, defined as the relevant shear stimulus after forearm occlusion (P > 0.05). Conclusions: These data indicate that a localized short-term exercise program results in significant improvements in vascular function in the trained arm of elderly men compared with the control arm. Furthermore, the findings indicate a statistically significant increase in BAR at the end of the second week of training, despite a similar trigger for dilation versus before training
Acoustic Robustness of Two Standard Spheres for Calibrating a Broadband Multibeam Sonar

The Simrad MS70 is a broadband scientific multibeam sonar with nominal operating frequency band 70-120 kHz. Two spheres have been specified for use in calibrating this sonar, with piecewise coverage of the band and target strength values in the range from -35 to -30 dB. The sphere material is tungsten carbide with 6% cobalt binder; the diameters are 75 and 84 mm. The same spheres can also be used as standard targets for calibrating the Simrad ME70 scientific multibeam echo sounder. The target strengths of such spheres at ultrasonic frequencies depend on the sphere material properties and the physical properties of the immersion medium. In this study, the frequency dependences of the corresponding target strengths are given for plusmn2% variations in mass density, longitudinal-wave sound speed, and transverse-wave sound speed of the sphere, and for variations in mass density and sound speed of seawater that span the ordinary total range expected between winter and summer. In practice, there need be no uncertainty in knowledge of the sphere material properties; this sensitivity study quantifies potential errors incurred by using nominal rather than measured values of the several parameters. Similarly, for the physical properties of seawater, there need be no uncertainty in knowledge of these, hence in target strength; measurement of the seawater properties in situ at the time of calibration will enable compensation to be made to high accuracy. It should be possible to determine the target strength of the two calibration targets to within plusmn0.1 dB.
Rotational Spectra of Seven Conformational Isomers of 1-Hexene

The rotational spectra of 7 of the expected 13 conformational isomers of 1-hexene have been measured and assigned at a rotational temperature of <2 K using a pulsed-molecular-beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometer. The rotational assignments were guided by predictions from the MM3 molecular mechanics force field of Allinger et al. and by ab initio electronic-structure calculations (MP2/6-31G*). Six of the seven observed conformers have C1 symmetry, as verified by the observation of a-, b-, and c-type electric-dipole transitions. The remaining conformer has Cs symmetry, consistent with its small inertial defect, Δ ≡ Icc − Ibb − Iaa = −12.65 uA2, and the observation of only a and b-type transitions. Here, Iαα is the moment of inertia of the conformer about its α-principal axis. The inertial defects determined for the seven conformers range from −12.65 to −51.29 uA2. Both the molecular mechanics and ab initio calculations indicate the observed conformers are associated with the seven lowest-energy con...
Knowledge Use as Knowledge Creation Reexamining the Contribution of the Social Sciences to Decision Making

The use of social science knowledge by policymakers has fallen short of what many social scientists would prefer. Research that supports this conclusion may be flawed by a methodological bias that overlooks the variety of knowledge sources used by decision makers. A survey of social workers that measures knowledge use from the perspective of the user, rather than the producer, of information identifies three types of knowledge sources, all of which are integrated in the decision-making process. We argue here for a shift in the direction of knowledge utilization research that will recognize similarities between knowledge use and knowledge creation.
Parametric analysis of thermal preference following sleep deprivation in the rat

Abstract A thermal preference task was used to assess the effects of sleep deprivation on nociceptive behavior using hot and cool stimuli. The thermal preference apparatus allowed male rats to move freely from a hot thermal plate (44.7 °C) to an adjacent plate at neutral (33.5 °C) or cold temperatures (1.3–11 °C). Investigators recorded occupancy on the colder side, frequency of movements between the 2 compartments, and first escape latency from the cold side. Parametric analysis of thermal preference indicated that behavioral allocation was related to temperature ranges previously associated with activation of thermal nociceptors. A 50% occupancy rate was determined from a stimulus–response function identifying 1.3 °C vs. 44.7 °C as optimal temperatures. This temperature combination was then used to test the effects of sleep deprivation for 48 h using the pedestal-over-water method on response allocation to the 2 temperature zones. Sleep deprivation decreased time spent on the cooled plate. Cumulative occupancy indicated differential effects for sleep deprivation with the rats preferring to remain on the hot side vs. the cold side, suggesting that sleep deprivation increased the nociceptive properties of the cold stimulus.
Thermodynamics of fluids of small associating molecules

Abstract Simulation, theory, and application of theory are presented for the properties of fluids of small associating molecules. The theory is based on the physical approach and uses well defined intermolecular potentials. Computer simulation is used to develop and test the theory. The intermolecular potentials used in the simulations have an off-center square well attraction site which mimics the short-range interactions which lead to association (e.g. charge-transfer or the short-range portion of an electrostatic interaction). Results of theory and simulation are compared. Also, results of theory and experiment are compared for the properties and phase behavior of nitric oxide and a nitric oxide/methane mixture. Agreement, in both cases, is good.
Glomerular autacoids stimulated by bradykinin regulate efferent arteriole tone

Glomerular autacoids stimulated by bradykinin regulate efferent arteriole tone. Background We have shown that when efferent arterioles are perfused retrograde to avoid the influence of vasoactive autacoids released by the glomerulus, bradykinin causes dilatation via release of cytochrome P450 (cP450) metabolites, probably epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs). Here we tested the hypothesis that the glomerulus releases cyclooxygenase (COX) and cP450 metabolites. These eicosanoids, acting as vasopressor and vasodepressor autacoids, control efferent arteriole resistance downstream from the glomerulus. Methods Rabbit efferent arterioles were perfused orthograde through the glomerulus from the end of the afferent arteriole to determine whether bradykinin induces the release of glomerular autacoids that influence efferent arteriole resistance. Efferent arterioles were preconstricted with norepinephrine, and increasing doses of bradykinin were added to the perfusate in the presence or absence of COX and cP450 inhibitors. Results When efferent arterioles were perfused orthograde through the glomerulus, bradykinin at 10 nmol/L caused significant and reproducible dilatation; diameter increased from 8.0 ± 0.5 to 12.6 ± 0.4 μm ( P N -methylsulphonyl-6-(2-proparglyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS-PPOH), was added to the arteriolar perfusate. In the presence of indomethacin and 20-HEDE, bradykinin caused dilatation and this effect was completely blocked by MS-PPOH (1 μm) (from 7.6 ± 0.6 to 7.3 ± 0.5 μm). Conclusions We concluded that in response to bradykinin, the glomerulus releases COX metabolites (probably prostaglandins) that have a vasodilator effect. When COXs are inhibited, the vasoconstrictor 20-HETE released by the glomerulus is able to oppose the vasodilator effect of bradykinin. This vasodilator effect is mediated by EETs released by the glomerulus and/or the efferent arteriole and does not involve nitric oxide. The balance between these opposing effects of various eicosanoids controls efferent arteriole resistance downstream from the glomerulus.
Social interpretations of readiness for kindergarten

Abstract This article examines the topic of readiness for school as a social meaning that is constructed by people in community settings as they participate in the kindergarten experience with a group of children. Based on data from an ethnographic study of kindergartens in three communities, the developing meaning of readiness is described as locally formed and distinct, with a coherent community flavor. The teachers, parents, and the school as an institution interacted to develop a social interpretation of readiness, which framed the kindergarten experience in each setting, forming the basis for the ways in which children are understood and the nature of the kindergarten program. Changes in the structure of kindergarten education are advocated to make schools ready for children rather than expecting children to be ready for school.
The nature of the genetic control of Endosperm Balance Number based on aneuploid analysis of Datura

The genetic control of Endosperm Balance Number (EBN), a mechanism of effective ploidy that controls seed development, was studied using aneuploidy. The Endosperm Balance Number hypothesis proposes that each species has an effective ploidy (EBN) in the endosperm and that it is the effective ploidies, rather than the numerical (actual) ploidies, that must be in a 2:1 maternal to paternal ratio for normal endosperm development. Experiments were conducted in Datura stramonium L. (2n=4x=48) to determine if more than one chromosome but less than the whole genome could change the EBN of the female. Triploids were crossed with tetraploids to produce aneuploids. Most plump seeds gave rise to 2n=4x=48 chromosome plants. Six plants had between 38 and 47 chromosomes. Karyotyping of these plants supported the conclusion that only two chromosomes (1.2 and 19.20), when extra, were necessary to change the EBN of the central cell.
On the Meaning of Isoclinic Parameters in the Plastic State in Cellulose Nitrate

In applying the shear-difference method to the determination of stress distributions in photo plasticity, a basic question arises whether, under plastic flow, the isoclinic parameters represent the directions of the secondary principal stresses. Special equipment, new techniques, and a series of experiments are described to study this problem. Tests were made with stress systems which varied in magnitude and direction at normal and oblique incidence, and at strains for which a one-to-one stress-optic relation exists as well as at strains for which it breaks down. Typical results are given. These findings together with the method of scattered light and an appropriate stress-optic law may provide a foundation for three-dimensional photoplasticity. The effects described are limited to loading. Cases of loading plus unloading are not considered in the present paper.
Mammography screening after breast cancer diagnosis in a first degree female relative: age group differences (United States)

To examine age group differences in predictors of mammography screening in women with a first-degree female relative (FDFR) with recent diagnosis of breast cancer. A cohort study of 577 women ages 18 and over with a FDFR diagnosed with incident stage 0-III breast cancer was conducted. Telephone interviews were conducted at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Logistic regression was used to model factors associated with mammography screening since diagnosis. Mammography rates were 32%, 71% and 75% for women aged 18–39, 40–49 and 50 and above, respectively. Among the youngest group, belief in cancer screening effectiveness, mammography history and MD recommendation predicted mammography. For those 40–49, excellent self-rated health, perceived similarity of personality to the patient and higher intrusive thoughts predicted mammography. Perceived similarity of health care utilization to the patient and higher risk perceptions were associated with mammography among women aged 50 and above. Mammography rates were high among women aged 40–49 and 50 and above, and considerable among women aged 18–30, even in view of the lack of evidence-based guidelines. Continued attention should be paid to the 25–30% of older women who do not report screening.
Development, History, and Future of Automated Cell Counters

Modern automated hematology instruments use either optical methods (light scatter), impedance-based methods based on the Coulter principle (changes in electrical current induced by blood cells flowing through an electrically charged opening), or a combination of both optical and impedance-based methods. Progressive improvement in these instruments has allowed the enumeration and evaluation of blood cells with great accuracy, precision, and speed at very low cost. Future directions of hematology instrumentation include the addition of new parameters and the development of point-of-care instrumentation. In the future, in-vivo analysis of blood cells may allow noninvasive and near-continuous measurements.
Solving piecewise-linear equations for resistive networks

Nonlinear resistive networks can be characterized by the equation f(x)= y where f(x) is a continuous piecewise-linear mapping of Rn into itself. The n-dimensional Euclidean space is divided into a finite number of regions, and, in each region say region Rm, we can express f by J(m)x + w(m) where J(m) is a constant n × n Jacobian matrix and w(m) is a constant n-vector. In this paper we obtain the following results: If all the Jacobian determinants in the unbounded regions have the same sign, the equation f(x)= y has at least one solution and an algorithm is developed, which obtains one or more solutions in a finite number of steps. The work represents a generalization of early work by Fujisawa, Kuh and Ohtsuki and relaxes the condition imposed on the function. For example, in the bounded regions, the Jacobian matrices can be singular and the sign of Jacobian determinants can be arbitrary.
Unraveling the race paradox of achievement and self-views

Considerable evidence indicates that African American students achieve less academically than European American students. Yet, African American students hold more positive self-views than their European American counterparts. Previous studies that address these seemingly paradoxical findings focus on students in a relatively narrow age range and/or convenience samples. Therefore, the current study examines two common explanations for these seemingly paradoxical findings, among a large and diverse sample of African American and European American students (N = 1, 493) from elementary to post-secondary school and across the socioeconomic spectrum. Results indicate that among a diverse group of students and conceptualized in two different ways, African American students do not devalue academics. However, African American students are more likely than European American students to discount academic feedback.
CRUEL THEORY? THE STRUGGLE FOR PRESTIGE AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN ACADEMIC TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

Some struggles for prestige in academic technical communication are self-defeating and wasteful because of the clash between the material (or positive-sum) economy of the workplace and the positional (or zero-sum) economy of the academy. Some professors of technical communication create disrespect for themselves and their specialities because they create degrading representations of working people and their artifacts, they promote impossible standards, and they advance discredited or misleading theories. More profitable approaches to gaining prestige for academic technical communication include recognizing that not everyone can be the top person in the positional economy, studying works on the economics of prestige, and promoting the genuinely good works that already exist in academic technical communication.
Base Flipping in Open Complex Formation at Bacterial Promoters

In the process of transcription initiation, the bacterial RNA polymerase binds double-stranded (ds) promoter DNA and subsequently effects strand separation of 12 to 14 base pairs (bp), including the start site of transcription, to form the so-called "open complex" (also referred to as RP(o)). This complex is competent to initiate RNA synthesis. Here we will review the role of σ70 and its homologs in the strand separation process, and evidence that strand separation is initiated at the -11A (the A of the non-template strand that is 11 bp upstream from the transcription start site) of the promoter. By using the fluorescent adenine analog, 2-aminopurine, it was demonstrated that the -11A on the non-template strand flips out of the DNA helix and into a hydrophobic pocket where it stacks with tyrosine 430 of σ70. Open complexes are remarkably stable, even though in vivo, and under most experimental conditions in vitro, dsDNA is much more stable than its strand-separated form. Subsequent structural studies of other researchers have confirmed that in the open complex the -11A has flipped into a hydrophobic pocket of σ70. It was also revealed that RPo was stabilized by three additional bases of the non-template strand being flipped out of the helix and into hydrophobic pockets, further preventing re-annealing of the two complementary DNA strands.
Stimulation of progesterone production by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells.

Abstract The tumor-promoting phorbol ester, phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) markedly stimulated progesterone production in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells. A slight but significant increase (35%) in the activity of the cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CSCC) enzyme was observed in mitochondria isolated from the PMA-treated MA-10 Leydig cells when compared to mitochondria isolated from non-treated cells. However, this stimulation of CSCC activity appears to be of limited importance when compared to the 240-fold increase observed in progesterone production following PMA stimulation. In contrast, the inactive phorbol ester 4α-phorbol-12,13-didecanoate (α-PD) had no effect on either progesterone production or CSCC activity. PMA had no effect on the conversion of 25-hydroxycholesterol and 22 R -hydroxycholesterol into progesterone suggesting that one of the mechanism(s) of PMA action may involve the delivery of cholesterol to the mitochondria and/or the affinity of cholesterol with cytochrome P-450 scc . Stimulation of steroidogenesis by PMA was also shown to be inhibited by cycloheximide. When PMA was added together with a submaximal dose of hCG, hCG-stimulated steroidogenesis was inhibited. However, at a maximal dose of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), PMA inhibited steroid synthesis at 1 and 2 h but had no significant effect at 3 h. Conversely, PMA had an additive effect on cAMP induced steroidogenesis. It was further demonstrated that PMA resulted in a decrease in the hCG-induced accumulation of cAMP. Our results suggest that PMA is able to stimulate progesterone production by MA-10 Leydig cells and that this stimulation of steroid synthesis by PMA is not mediated through an increase in cAMP production as seen with luteinizing hormone/hCG. Since the action of PMA is mediated through the activation of protein kinase C, we conclude, therefore, that in addition to cAMP-dependent protein kinase A, another protein phosphorylating enzyme, protein kinase C plays an important role in the regulation of steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig tumor cells.
Activity level changes preceding runway trials: An index of conditioned fear

Two experiments with hooded rats, in which activity level changes before runway trials are explored as an index of conditioned fear, are reported. Animals were dropped into a shock runway from an enclosed chamber where activity was monitored. Those that received shock in the runway showed a reliable decline in activity, significantly correlated with a reliable rise in running speed. When extinction trials were widely spaced (Exp. II), the activity-level measure accurately monitored both extinction and spontaneous recovery of fear. These results suggest the activity measure as a useful tool for investigation of fear in complex behavior.
An Interview with Keitha Taylor, MSN, APRN, BC Clinical Nurse Specialist in Addictions

During the past month, I was privileged to interview Keith Taylor who is a clinical nurse specialist working as a case manager for veterans who have an addictions problem.
Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Obesity is a critical factor in the development of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Snoring is the most frequent nocturnal symptom suggesting a diagnosis of SDB. Other common nighttime symptoms include snorting, gasping, choking, coughing, and witnessed apneas. The most frequent diurnal symptom in SDB is excessive daytime sleepiness. Patients suspected of having SDB should undergo a full night of in-laboratory polysomnography or in-home oligosomnography. SDB includes a spectrum of disorders; the most common are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea.
Minimally Supported Frequency Composite Dilation Parseval Frame Wavelets

A composite dilation Parseval frame wavelet is a collection of functions generating a Parseval frame for L2(ℝn) under the actions of translations from a full rank lattice and dilations by products of elements of groups A and B. A minimally supported frequency composite dilation Parseval frame wavelet has generating functions whose Fourier transforms are characteristic functions of sets contained in a lattice tiling set. Constructive proofs are used to establish the existence of minimally supported frequency composite dilation Parseval frame wavelets in arbitrary dimension using any finite group B, any full rank lattice, and an expanding matrix generating the group A and normalizing the group B. Moreover, every such system is derived from a Parseval frame multiresolution analysis. Multiple examples are provided including examples that capture directional information.
Roentgenographic-pathologic correlation of diffuse sclerosis in Ewing sarcoma of bone.

Roentgenographic review of the first 210 cases of Ewing sarcoma (ES) in the Intergroup Ewing Sarcoma study revealed that 37.6% of cases had evidence of diffusely increased intraosseous density or diffuse sclerosis (DS). In these cases the sclerosis was usually mixed with various patterns of lysis and/or combined with a periosteal reaction. A radiograph blinded histologic review of selected biopsies showed an 83% incidence of dead bone compared to 23% in those without DS. Ten percent of the cases with DS had appositional new bone formation on dead bone whereas none of the cases without DS showed such reactions. Pathologic explanation of the roentgenographically identified diffuse sclerosis in ES has not been previously well documented in the medical literature.
Prevalence of Giardia sp., Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium muris (C. andersoni) in 109 dairy herds in five counties of southeastern New York.

Abstract A cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Giardia sp. (G. duodenalis group), Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium muris (C. andersoni) in dairy cattle in three different age groups, and to evaluate the association of age and season with prevalence. One hundred and nine dairy farms, from a total of 212 farms, in five counties of southeastern New York volunteered to participate. On these farms, 2943 fecal samples were collected from three defined age groups. The farms were randomly assigned for sampling within the four seasons of the year. Each farm was visited once during the study period from March 1993 to June 1994 to collect fecal samples. Demographic data on the study population was collected at the time of sampling by interviewing the farm owner or manager. At collection, fecal samples were scored as diarrheic or non-diarrheic, and each condition was later related to positive or negative infection with these parasites. Fecal samples were processed using a quantitative centrifugation concentration flotation technique and enumerated using bright field and phase contrast microscopy. In this study, the overall population prevalence for Giardia sp. was 8.9%; C. parvum, 0.9%; and C. muris, 1.1%. When considering animals most at the risk of infection (those younger than 6 months of age) Giardia sp. and C. parvum was found in 20.1 and 2.4% of the animals, respectively. Giardia sp. and C. muris were found in all age groups. There was no significant seasonal pattern of infection for any of these parasites.