cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Integration of sequence and functional information to identify and annotate neuropeptides in the pig genome

Neuropeptides support inter-cell communication and have a role in many diverse biological processes. For pig, a biomedical model, few prohormones from which neuropeptides result after convertase processing are listed in the UniProt database. Therefore, our goals are to obtain an in silico library of pig prohormone and convertase genes and to functionally annotate these genes based on a large number of complementary gene expression microarray experiments. Using a bioinformatics pipeline, 101 prohormone genes and 8 convertase genes known in human, rat, mouse, chicken, and cow were located in the pig genome. Frequently (P-value < 0.005) differentially expressed prohormone genes included adrenomedullin (ADML), augurin (AUGN), neuropeptide Y (NPY), proenkephalin-A (PENK), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHR), and vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) and convertases (PCSK1 and PCSK7). Embryo and placental tissues displayed the most differentially expressed genes. Our genomic characterization allows the use of the pig as an effective animal model to gain a deeper understanding of neuropeptides.
Mismatch of Cultural Dimensions in an Urban Medical Educational Environment

Objective. To identify cultural dimensions and their potential mismatches between attending physicians and their residents and medical students. Methods. We surveyed faculty and students, both undergraduates and postgraduate resident physicians, at the SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, using Hofstede’s VSM-08 questionnaire, and calculated cultural dimensions, including the Power-Distance Index (PDI), Individualism (IDV), Masculinity (MAS), Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), and Long-term Outlook (LTO). Correlations between faculty and student demographic data and cultural dimensions were calculated (SPSS). Results. There were 237 student and resident respondents and 96 faculty respondents. Comparing all faculty and student respondents, significant differences were found in four of five cultural dimensions, with faculty scoring higher in MAS, and lower in PDI, IDV, UAI, and LTO. Conclusions. These differences may be important in the design and implementation of a medical educational curriculum, and, particularly, in the measurement and evaluation of educational outcomes.
Emotional Problems of Relatives of Dysphasic Patients

Each year hundreds of people in Adelaide suffer a stroke and, of these, a good many are admitted to the Rehabilitation Unit at Daws Road Repatriation Hospital with dysphasic symptoms. Over 18 months ago, as part of the Unit's concern for the family of the patient, a “Relatives Group” was commenced and has been held every two weeks since. Through experience in the group, it became clear that the relatives developed their own emotional problems which, in most cases, required “treatment” by the local doctor or the group itself. The psychologist, who attended every group, became involved in treating the relatives and referrals were made to Psychiatrists from time to time. The sorts of emotional problems encountered are thought to be the direct result of chronic stress on personalities, some of whom are vulnerable, who are undergoing a massive lifestyle change, in coping with the dysphasic stroke patient. In this paper is presented an outline of the group, its workings, and the results of our first questionnai...
Click Here to Empty Trash

We are beginning to assess the impact of digital technologies and are starting to devise strategies to handle the changes that computers have wrought upon the environment. It is not an easy task. Too much of what we do in the name of green computing merely moves the problem out of our sight and puts it in the hands of distant technicians with little incentive to dispose of the waste in a way that leaves the earth untouched by our technologies.
17O and 51V NMR for the zigzag spin-1 chain compound CaV2O4

$^{51}\mathrm{V}$ NMR studies on $\mathrm{Ca}{\mathrm{V}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{4}$ single crystals and $^{17}\mathrm{O}$ NMR studies on $^{17}\mathrm{O}$-enriched powder samples are reported. The temperature dependences of the $^{17}\mathrm{O}$ NMR linewidth and nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate give strong evidence for a long-range antiferromagnetic transition at ${T}_{N}=78\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ in the powder. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show that ${T}_{N}=69\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$ in the crystals. A zero-field $^{51}\mathrm{V}$ NMR signal was observed at low temperatures ($f\ensuremath{\approx}237\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{MHz}$ at $4.2\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$) in the crystals. The field-swept spectra with the field in different directions suggest the presence of two antiferromagnetic substructures. Each substructure is collinear, with the easy axes of the two substructures separated by an angle of 19(1)\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and with their average direction pointing approximately along the $b$ axis of the crystal structure. The two spin substructures contain equal numbers of spins. The temperature dependence of the ordered moment, measured up to $45\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$, shows the presence of an energy gap ${E}_{G}$ in the antiferromagnetic spin wave excitation spectrum. Antiferromagnetic spin wave theory suggests that ${E}_{G}∕{k}_{B}$ lies between 64 and $98\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{K}$.
Aberrant Proliferation of Lumen-Forming Cells in Stratified Epithelium of Porokeratosis Skin

The present investigation was based on the postulate, first proposed by Reed and Leone in 1970, that porokeratosis lesions represent clonal growth of epidermal cells. Comparative studies using immunocytochemical staining, epidermal cell culture, and non-equilibrium pH gradient (NEpHG) gel electrophoresis analysis of the keratins extracted were carried out on five patients with various types of porokeratosis. Positive type IV collagen staining on the stratum corneum was found in lesional skin specimens of all patients, but not in normal controls. A search for connections between type IV collagen in the basement membrane of epidermis and the skin surface disclosed infrequent intra-epidermal streaking of type IV collagen and one positively stained trans-epidermal acrosyringium. Positive intra-epidermal laminin staining in porokeratosis lesions confirmed the trans-epidermal passage of basement-membrane materials. Epidermal cells cultured from lesional skin showed low plating efficiency, and all colonies exhibited intracytoplasmic vacuole formation and excessive top cell shedding. NEpHG gel electrophoresis of keratins extracted showed that lesional profiles not only contained keratins normally present in glabrous skin, but also possibly K9 and some additional proteins. K9 had been immunolocalized to periductal cells in previous studies. Our findings, taken together, strongly suggest that porokeratosis epidermis consists of epithelial cells with lumen-forming ability.
Presuppositions and common ground

This paper presents problems for Stalnaker’s common ground theory of presupposition. Stalnaker (Linguist and Philos 25:701–721, 2002) proposes a 2-stage process of utterance interpretation: presupposed content is added to the common ground prior to acceptance/rejection of the utterance as a whole. But this revision makes presupposition difficult to distinguish from assertion. A more fundamental problem is that the common ground theory rests on a faulty theory of assertion—that the essence of assertion is to present the content of an utterance as new information. Many examples are presented of utterances which are felicitous but not informative in this way.
Prospects for solar flare X-ray polarimetry

The history of solar flare X-ray polarimetry is reviewed and it is shown that as yet, there is no experimental evidence for such polarization. The present experimental limits are at the level of a few percent but these results may be biased by a large thermal component at low energies which may decrease the apparent polarization. To avoid this difficulty it will be necessary to make observations at higher energies where thermal emission is less important.
The Green's function moment method

This paper develops a modified moment method for the numerical solution of two “Pocklington Type” integral equations. The first equation arises from the problem of scalar diffraction through a slot; the second from scattering by a straight, thin-wire. Numerical results and comparison with a more conventional method are given.
Analysis of a restriction endonuclease map for bovine papillomavirus type 2 DNA.

A physical map was constructed for bovine papillomavirus type 2 DNA by the use of restriction endonucleases. A comparison between the genomes of bovine papillomavirus types I and 2 in regard to location and number of cleavage sites of seven enzymes is also presented. This comparison revealed similarities between the two genomes.
In vitro characterization of peptide-modified p(AAm-co-EG/AAc) IPN-coated titanium implants.

Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of poly(acrylamide-co-ethylene glycol/acrylic acid) [p(AAm-co-EG/AAc)] functionalized with an -Arg-Gly-Asp- containing peptide derived from rat bone sialoprotein [bsp-RGD(15)] were grafted to titanium implants in an effort to modulate osteoblast behavior in vitro. Surface characterization data were consistent with the presence of an IPN, and ligand density measurements established that the range of peptide density on the modified implants spanned three orders of magnitude (0.01–20 pmol/cm2). In vitro biological characterization of the modified implants employing the primary rat calvarial osteoblast (RCO) model resulted in the identification of a critical ligand density (0.01 < Γcrit < 0.1 pmol/cm2) for maximal support of the osteoblast phenotype. After 14 and 21 days, mineralization was greater on the 0.1 and 10 pmol/cm2 bsp-RGD(15) modified implants compared to the base titanium and other control surfaces. The observed effects were attributed to specific interactions with bsp-RGD(15) and support the concept that peptide-modified implants can enhance the kinetics of differentiation of the cells they contact. These results suggest that in vivo biological performance evaluation of these biomimetic implant surfaces is merited. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 24:1366–1376, 2006
Anatomic evidence for a neurotoxic effect of (+/-)-fenfluramine upon serotonergic projections in the rat.

Abstract Immunocytochemistry was used to determine whether (±)-fenfluramine causes structural damage to serotonergic (5-HT) neurons. Sections from rat forebrain were examined 4 h, 36 h and 2 weeks after various dose regimens of fenfluramine. At all time points there was a reduction of fine 5-HT axon terminals in the forebrain, while beaded axons were spared. The presence of markedly swollen, fragmented 5-HT axons 36 h after injection is indicative of axonal degeneration, and provides morphologic evidence for a neurotoxic effect of (±)-fenfluramine upon 5-HT axon terminals.
Low Bone Strength Is a Manifestation of Phenylketonuria in Mice and Is Attenuated by a Glycomacropeptide Diet

Purpose Phenylketonuria (PKU), caused by phenylalanine (phe) hydroxylase loss of function mutations, requires a low-phe diet plus amino acid (AA) formula to prevent cognitive impairment. Glycomacropeptide (GMP), a low-phe whey protein, provides a palatable alternative to AA formula. Skeletal fragility is a poorly understood chronic complication of PKU. We sought to characterize the impact of the PKU genotype and dietary protein source on bone biomechanics. Procedures Wild type (WT; Pah+/+) and PKU (Pahenu2/enu2) mice on a C57BL/6J background were fed high-phe casein, low-phe AA, and low-phe GMP diets between 3 to 23 weeks of age. Following euthanasia, femur biomechanics were assessed by 3-point bending and femoral diaphyseal structure was determined. Femoral ex vivo bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by dual-enengy x-ray absorptiometry. Whole bone parameters were used in prinicipal component analysis. Data were analyzed by 3-way ANCOVA with genotype, sex, and diet as the main factors. Findings Regardless of diet and sex, PKU femora were more brittle, as manifested by lower post-yield displacement, weaker, as manifested by lower energy and yield and maximal loads, and showed reduced BMD compared with WT femora. Four principal components accounted for 87% of the variance and all differed significantly by genotype. Regardless of genotype and sex, the AA diet reduced femoral cross-sectional area and consequent maximal load compared with the GMP diet. Conclusions Skeletal fragility, as reflected in brittle and weak femora, is an inherent feature of PKU. This PKU bone phenotype is attenuated by a GMP diet compared with an AA diet.
Collective motion and oscillatory interaction: –Cu–O– and sulfite on Cu(1 1 0)

Abstract Our STM investigation of oxygen and sulfite on the Cu(1 1 0) surface suggests that chains of –Cu–O– and Cu–SO3 migrate via collective motion. The minimum diffusivities of the –Cu–O– and Cu–SO3 chains have been calculated to be (4.5±2.5)×10−14 cm2/s and (7.2±1.8)×10−14 cm2/s, respectively. The time a –Cu–O– row spends in a particular site provides evidence for the oscillatory nature of the interaction energy between p(2×1)-O islands and a migrating –Cu–O– chain. Amid p(2×1)-O islands spaced a multiple of two lattice units from one another, the –Cu–O– chains have a preference for sites which are a multiple of two lattice units from a nearby p(2×1)-O island. A chain migrating in-between p(2×1)-O islands not separated by a multiple of two lattice units from one another does not prefer one site over another.
Using the AMOEBA approach to measure progress toward ecosystem sustainability within a shellfish restoration project in North Carolina

Abstract Sustainable development, a concept of concern today in the political decision-making arena, captures and combines the need for economic development and the urgency of ecosystem protection. Sustainability indicators not only describe the environmental situation and the current burden on it; they also show what environmental burden the ecosystem is able to withstand in the long-run. Sustainability indicators tell us if, and to what degree, we are making progress toward the goal of sustainable development. This paper examines the purposes and requirements of sustainability indicators, using the AMOEBA approach as its main focus. AMOEBA, in the Dutch language, stands for ‘general method of ecosystem description and assessment’. In the AMOEBA approach, quantitative and verifiable objectives are developed that allow for a quantitative description and assessment of ecosystems. The AMOEBA approach is a tool in aiding political decision makers to better understand the ecological status of an area of concern. AMOEBA is described both in general terms and with respect to its application at Jumping Run Creek shellfish restoration project in North Carolina. The project seeks to mitigate impacts to watershed hydrology due to land use changes that contribute to excessive bacterial loading and bed closure. Parameters being studied are indicators of bacterial stores, hydrologic modification and building density. An altered AMOEBA was developed which graphically presents the selected indicators and allows for an assessment of ecosystem impairments.
Spatial and temporal variations in toxicity in an urban-runoff treatment marsh

Toxicity tests have not been widely used to assess the performance of urban-runoff treatment facilities. In the present study, Ceriodaphnia dubia toxicity tests were used to quantify toxicity of urban runoff at Crandall Creek and the downstream Demonstration Urban Stormwater Treatment (DUST) March in Fremont, California. Acute toxicity, expressed as the median time to lethality (LT50) for C. dubia, was used to compare the relative intensities of toxicity in the system. During or shortly after storm events, horizontal and vertical gradients in LT50 and electrical conductivity were observed, with high correlation between the two parameters. Toxicity diminished as time passed after the storm. The performance of the DUST Marsh as a treatment facility was evaluated for three aspects: detention, dilution, and toxicity removal. We found that toxic storm water generated by small- to medium-sized storms (5 to 25 mm rain) was contained in the marsh. Toxicity was greatly reduced upon dilution of storm water with pre-existing marsh water, and mixing of the water column increased the rate of toxicity diminution. Toxicity reduction, above and beyond that attributable to dilution, was evident in the marsh. Results of this study demonstrate the potential use of toxicity assessments as an integral component of marsh design and management.
Inhibition of phosphoenolpyruvate transport via the tricarboxylate and adenine nucleotide carrier systems of rat liver mitochondria.

Abstract The translocation of phosphoenolpyruvate by the tricarboxylate carrier system in rat liver mitochondria was shown to be inhibited by atractyloside and long chain fatty acyl CoA esters as well as benzene, 1, 2, 3 tricarboxylate. By contrast benzene 1, 2, 3 tricarboxylate did not inhibit atractyloside sensitive adenine nucleotide translocation catalyzed by phosphoenolpyruvate. These results indicate that although phosphoenoppyruvate is preferentially transported by the tricarboxylate carrier system, it may also be transported by the adenine nucleotide translocase. The inhibition of the adenine nucleotide and tricarboxylate carrier systems by atractyloside and long chain acyl CoA esters indicates a close functional interrelation-ship of these transport carriers in the inner mitochondrial membrane. Moreover, the potent inhibition of phosphoenolpyruvate, citrate, and adenine nucleotide transport by long chain acyl CoA's provides further evidence that these esters are natural effectors which participate in the regulation of gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, and energy-linked respiration.
Complement Fixation with a Coxsackie Virus

SummaryThe technique of a complement fixation test which may prove of value in the study of Coxsackie virus infection in man is described.
Carbon foam derived from various precursors

Abstract A series of carbon foams was developed by using low-cost precursors, such as coal, coal tar pitch and petroleum pitch. The properties of the resultant carbon foams cover a wide range, e.g., bulk density, 0.32–0.67 g/cm 3 , compressive strength, 2.5–18.7 MPa, isotropic and anisotropic microstructure, etc. The investigation of foaming mechanism and the relationship between properties and structure indicate that the fluidity and dilatation of the foaming precursors significantly affect the foaming performance and foam structure. Raw coal samples were foamed directly without pretreatment in this work. However, for the pitch based foaming precursor, a thermal pretreatment is necessary to adjust its thermoplastic properties to meet the foaming requirement. The mechanical strength of carbon foam is found to be related to not only the foam cell structure, but also the fluidity and anisotropic domain size of the foaming precursors. In addition, the micro and mesopore structure in carbon foam matrix was investigated by gas adsorption and it was found that it also affects the strength of carbon foam and is related to the fluidity of foaming precursor.
Mechanisms of Solubilization of Mixed Liposomes: Preferential Dissolution of Liposome Components

The mechanism of vesicle-to-micelle transformation due to the interactions with sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) has been studied by monitoring changes in the optical density, surface tension, SDS monomer concentrations, pyrene fluorescence, and mass spectrometry. Two inflection points appeared on the optical density as well as effective hydrodynamic diameter curves. Based on the results of the surface tension and SDS monomer measurements, the first inflection point is attributed to the saturation of bilayers by SDS monomers and the onset of liposome solubilization processes. The second inflection point corresponds to the onset of complete disruption of bilayers and the critical micelle concentration of the mixed systems. The fluorescence results show the core of the mixed micelles to be more hydrophobic than that of the SDS micelles, suggesting that liposome solubilization is a micellization process. From the individual phospholipid liposome solubilization studies, it was found that phosphatidic acid (PA) mol...
The Chemistry of Cyanuric Acid (H3C3N3O3) under High Pressure and High Temperature

We have studied cyanuric acid (H(3)C(3)N(3)O(3)) at static pressures up to 8.1 GPa and simultaneous temperatures up to 750 K, using primarily infrared absorption spectroscopy and visual observation. The corresponding phase diagram compares favorably with theoretical predictions of metastable organic materials. Two reactions were observed and characterized; both are irreversible. Below 2 GPa, melting is accompanied by a decomposition reaction, and upon cooling, cyanuric acid is not recovered. Above 2 GPa, heating results in a solid product recoverable at ambient conditions. Corresponding infrared spectra suggest that pressure leads to the formation of heterocycles of increasing complexity and biological potential, with the composition determined by the pressure of formation. Cyanuric acid is of interest at these conditions because it and its monomer, isocyanic acid, are "prebiotic" compounds found in stellar dust clouds, meteorites, and other remnants of the early Earth.
Regulatory DNA elements of phenobarbital-responsive cytochrome P450 CYP2B genes.

This article reviews recent progress in characterizing cis -acting DNA elements of the phenobarbital-inducible CYP2B genes. Whereas proximal DNA elements such as the C/EBP binding site regulate basal transcription activity, phenobarbital-responsive enhancer activity is governed by the distal element (designated phenobarbital-responsive enhancer module, PBREM) residing about -2.3 kbp upstream from the transcription start site. Proximal elements are not required to enhance the phenobarbital-inducible transcription, since the PBREM can confer the inducibility to several heterologous promoters. Repression of the basal transcription by a negative element upstream of the -0.8 kbp region, however, may be necessary for the proper regulation of the CYP2B genes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biochem Toxicol 12: 3–9, 1998
Sex offender notification: An exploratory assessment of state variation in notification processes

Prior research suggested that when community members are notified that a sex offender is residing in their neighborhood they are likely to engage in precautionary behavior to prevent potential victimization. Since states employ different processes in notifying community members of the presence of a sex offender, it is important to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the various notification processes. The current exploratory study compared the proactive sex offender notification process in Hamilton County, Ohio, with the passive notification process in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Not surprisingly, study findings indicated that the proactive sex offender notification process used in Ohio resulted in better community dissemination of information.
Ventricular Septal Defects in Adults

Because congenital ventricular septal defects are of different sizes and locations, their clinical presentation, natural history, and treatment vary greatly. This review discusses the different types of ventricular septal defects commonly seen in adults in the authors' experience and in published literature. Ventricular septal defects are either isolated small defects or larger defects associated with pulmonary stenosis, pulmonary hypertension, or aortic regurgitation. These associations play an important role in the pathophysiologic consequences of the defect, its long-term complications, and treatment options. Knowledge of the different clinical presentations in adulthood and the specific features pertinent to these defects will help in the assessment and the care of adult patients with one of the most common congenital cardiac malformations.
Ethanol and parturition: a role for prostaglandins

Abstract A common pattern of birth defects was reported in children born to alcoholic women over 20 years ago. 1,2 Shortly thereafter the constellation of defects became known as the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, 3 and reports from around the world served to acknowledge the pervasiveness of the disorder. 4–15 Simultaneously with the clinical reports, animal models were developed to characterize the full spectrum of the teratogenic effects of ethanol. 16 Not only did these animal models serve to define the actions of ethanol on fetal growth and development at the molecular 17,18 pharmacological, 19 neuroanatomical, 20 and behavioral 21,22 level, but unintentionally, they have resulted in renewed scientific interest in the effects of ethanol on pregnancy and parturtion itself. The purpose of this review is twofold. First we will consolidate and summarize data from both clinical and basic research that pertains to ethanol and parturition. These data will demonstrate that ethanol consumption during pregnancy results in both delayed as well as premature delivery depending upon the pattern of consumption and timing of exposure. With these data as a background, the second objective will be to present a theoretical case for prostaglandins as possible mediators of ethanol-induced effects on the onset of parturition.
Salmonella meningitis: clinical experience of third-generation cephalosporins

Fifteen paediatric patients with Salmonella meningitis were retrospectively reviewed. Presenting symptoms and signs included fever, vomiting, seizures, poor activity, diarrhoea and bulging anterior fontanelle in most patients. Seven out of eight patients with prolonged fever for > 10 days had neurologic sequelae; therefore, prolonged fever is a significant prognostic factor of poor outcome (p < 0.005). All 15 patients had a brain ultrasound or computed tomography in the acute stage and 11 patients had abnormal findings. The 14 surviving patients were treated with a third-generation cephalosporin for at least 3 weeks. Seven patients (47%) made complete recoveries; two of them were treated solely with a third-generation cephalosporin. Only one mortality (6%) occurred and there were no relapses. In conclusion, high frequencies of prolonged fever, neuroimaging abnormalities and neurologic sequelae were seen in patients with Salmonella meningitis treated with third-generation cephalosporins. Cephalosporin, children, meningitis, neuroimaging, Salmonella meningitis.
Nucleosome mobility and the maintenance of nucleosome positioning.

To study nucleosome mobility and positioning, the R3 lac repressor was used with an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)–dependent chromatin assembly system to establish the positioning of five nucleosomes, with one nucleosome located between two R3 lac operators. When R3 protein was dissociated from DNA with isopropyl β-d-thiogalactopyranoside, the R3-induced nucleosome positions remained unchanged for at least 60 minutes in the absence of ATP but rearranged within 15 minutes in the presence of ATP. These results suggest that nucleosomes are dynamic and mobile rather than static and that a DNA binding factor is continuously required for the maintenance of nucleosome positioning.
The Metal-Insulator Transition in Compensated Silicon

We have measured dc electrical transport properties of compensated silicon, Si:P,B, near the metal-insulator transition at temperatures down to 1.35 K. We have used the variation of the coefficients of the T and T1/2 terms in the temperature dependence of the conductivity to determine nc, the critical value of the electron concentration, n. In this temperature range these coefficients appear to be a more sensitive indicator of nc than the variation of the zero temperature conductivity with n. The values of nc obtained are supported by estimates of nc derived from the ratio of values of the Hall coefficient at room temperature and 4.2 K. We find that nc increases with increasing compensation, in qualitative agreement with results in previous studies of compensated Ge. However, the increase in nc is substantially less than that given by a current theoretical model.
Osteoblast Apoptosis and Bone Turnover

With the discoveries of different death mechanisms, an emerging definition of apoptosis is the process of cell death associated with caspase activation or caspase-mediated cell death. This definition accepts that caspases represent the final common mechanistic pathway in apoptosis. Apoptosis may be triggered either by activation events that target mitochondria or endoplasmic reticulum or by activation of cell surface "death receptors," for example, those in the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. In the postnatal and adult skeleton, apoptosis is integral to physiological bone turnover, repair, and regeneration. The balance of osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis determines the size of the osteoblast population at any given time. Although apoptosis has been recorded in many studies of bone, the selective mechanisms invoked in the different models studied rarely have been identified. This review offers a broad overview of the current general concepts and controversies in apoptosis research and then considers specific examples of osteoblast apoptosis pertinent to skeletal development and to the regulation of bone turnover. In reviewing selected work on interdigital apoptosis in the developing skeleton, we discuss the putative roles of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), Msx2, RAR-gamma, and death inducer obliterator 1 (DIO-1). In reviewing factors regulating apoptosis in the postnatal skeleton, we discuss roles of cytokines, growth factors, members of the TNF pathway, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Finally, the paradoxical effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on osteoblast apoptosis in vivo are considered in the perspective of a recent hypothesis speculating that this may be a key mechanism to explain the anabolic effects of the hormone. An improved understanding of the apoptotic pathways and their functional outcomes in bone turnover and fracture healing may facilitate development of more targeted therapeutics to control bone balance in patients with osteoporosis and other skeletal diseases.
Marine poeciloscleridan sponges of the San Juan Archipelago, Washington*

Anatomy, systematics, and zoogeography of 23 species of marine poeciloscleridan Demospongiae (Porifera) from the San Juan Archipelago, Washington, were studied from August 1958 through August 1961. A historical review of published references to Porifera and poriferologists of the Pacific northwest is presented. Relationships between ocean currents, as vectors of larval dispersion, and the known zoogeography of Pacific coast extant marine Porifera are discussed. The known sponge fauna of Washington at 48° N. latitude involves considerable overlap of boreal and temperate species and a moderate degree of endemism. Information on the biological associates of sponges is summarized. The Porifera studied are as follows: Acarnus erithacus De Laubenfels; Anthoarcuata graceae Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Biemna rhadia De Laubenfels; Esperiopsis originalis De Laubenfels; Hymedesanisochela rayae Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Hymendectyon lyoni Bakusgen. n., sp. n.;Iophon pattersoni (Bowerbank); Lissodendoryx firma (Lambe); Lissodendoryx aff. kyma De Laubenfels; Microciona microjoanna De Laubenfels; Mycale adhaerens(Lambe); Mycale hispida (Lambe); Mycale lingua (Bowerbank); Mycale psila (DeLaubenfels); Mycale richardsoni Bakus sp. n.;Myxilla incrustans (Esper); Ophlitaspongia pennata (Lambe); Plocamia karykina Dc Laubenfels; Plocamilla illgi Bakus sp. n.;Podotuberculum hoffmanni Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Stelotrochota hartmani Bakus gen. n., sp. n.;Tedania gurjanovae Koltun; and Zygherpe hyaloderma De Laubenfels. An illustrated key to the local poeciloscleridan sponges is included.
Surrogate End Points in Heart Failure

OBJECTIVE:To describe the potential utility of a true surrogate marker of heart failure outcomes, historically investigate the validity of surrogates most commonly evaluated in heart failure, and identify specific end points offering the most potential for future use.DATA SOURCES:A MEDLINE search (1966–June 2001) was completed to identify relevant literature. Additional references were also retrieved from selected articles. Search terms included b-type natriuretic peptide, cardiac remodeling, end-diastolic volume, heart failure, and surrogate end points.DATA SYNTHESIS:By definition, true surrogate end points must predict outcomes associated with disease progression and response to therapy. A validated surrogate measure of mortality would render significant utility in both heart failure drug development and clinical practice. Improvements in traditional functional markers of heart failure, including ejection fraction and exercise capacity, have produced inconsistent results in regard to mortality in a numb...
Improving the representation of major landforms in analytical relief shading

Relief shading is the most common type of cartographic relief representation for print and digital maps. Manual relief shading results in informative and visually pleasing representations of terrain, but it is time consuming and expensive to produce. Current analytical relief shading can be created quickly, but the resulting maps are not as aesthetically appealing and do not show landscape features in an explicit manner. This article introduces an automated digital method that produces shaded relief with locally adjusted illumination directions to simulate the techniques and cartographic principles of manual relief shading. Ridgelines and valley lines are derived from a digital terrain model, vectorized, and used in a diffusion curve algorithm. A graph analysis generalizes the lines before using them for diffusion curve shading. The direction of illumination is adjusted based on the spatial orientation of ridgelines and valley lines. The diffusion curve shading is combined with standard analytical relief shading to create a final diffusion relief shading image. Similar to manual relief shading, major landforms and the structure of the terrain are more clearly shown in the diffusion relief shading. The presented method best highlights major landforms in terrain characterized by sharp, clearly defined ridges and valleys.
Activities of the Oxazolidinones Linezolid and Eperezolid in Experimental Intra-Abdominal Abscess Due to Enterococcus faecalis or Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium

The in vivo effectiveness of oxazolidinones eperezolid (U-100592) and linezolid (U-100766) against one strain each of Enterococcus faecalis and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium was examined in a rat model of intra-abdominal abscess. MICs of both drugs were 2 microg/ml for each strain. At doses of 25 mg/kg of body weight twice daily intravenously or orally, linezolid produced small but statistically significant reductions in abscess bacterial density for E. faecalis. The reduction in viable cells observed would not likely be clinically relevant. Eperezolid was ineffective at this dose. At a dosage of 100 mg/kg/day, linezolid treatment led to an approximately 100-fold reduction in viable cells per gram of abscess. Against E. faecium infections, intravenous eperezolid and oral linezolid were effective, reducing densities approximately 2 log(10) CFU/g. Both oxazolidinones demonstrated activity against enterococci in this model. However, results were modest with the dosing regimens employed.
Preliminary Pharmacology of Ellagic Acid From Juglans nigra (Black Walnut)

A crystalline compound was isolated from Juglans nigra which by comparison with the known compound was found to be ellagic acid. The ellagic acid injected (i.p.) produced significant sedation, ataxia, potentiated sodium pentobarbital sleeping time, and protected mice from death after electroconvulsive shock. Intravenous injection of ellagic acid caused a fall in blood pressure and an elevation of the T wave, whereas the heart and respiration rate initially increased followed by a decrease. The ellagic acid produced no significant effect on isolated duodenal and uterus segments of the rat.
Arthrodesis of the knee: experience with intramedullary nailing.

Abstract Knee arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail has gained acceptance as treatment in difficult cases such as infection after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), neuropathic joint, and obesity. A retrospective review of 22 cases treated at our institution using an intramedullary nail for knee arthrodesis was performed. Deep infection after primary (11) or revision (6) TKA was the most common indication for this procedure. A long intramedullary nail was used in 3 cases, a long nail with a proximal interlocking screw was used in 6 cases, and a customized nail with a valgus bend and a proximal interlocking screw was used in 11 cases. A modular knee fusion nail was used in 1 case. Successful fusion occurred in all cases, although 4 patients required additional surgery. Average operative blood loss was 748 mL, and average time to union was 7 months. Shortening of the extremity averaged 3.2 cm. Tibiofemoral alignment was improved by using a customized valgus nail (average, 3.1 valgus; range, 1-5) when compared with a straight nail (average, 0.2 valgus; range, 3 varus to 3 valgus). No patient developed infection in the hip or ankle region as a result of the long intramedullary nail. Intramedullary nailing is an excellent technique for knee arthrodesis in difficult cases. A customized proximal interlocking nail with 5° to 7° of valgus and 5° of anterior angulation improves tibiofemoral alignment and is straightforward to insert or extract should it be necessary. Stability and pain relief are rapid, and the fusion rate is maximized.
Cotton as Catalyst? The Role of Shifting Fertilizer in Mali’s Silent Maize Revolution

No crop poses more of a conundrum in terms of its impacts on African societies and environments than cotton. Cotton has been dubbed “white gold” by some scholars and the “mother of poverty” by others. A shortcoming of most studies is that cotton is examined in isolation rather than as part of a broader agricultural system. This paper traces the linkages between cotton farming and the development of intensive maize production in Mali using a multi-scale, mixed-method approach. Quantitative analysis of a 15 year data set for over 100 households documents changes in area, production and yields for cotton and grain crops. Semi-formal interviews are used to understand farmer strategies for managing agricultural systems. Results show that cotton yields declined during the study period while maize yields and production increased significantly. We conclude that cotton has been a catalyst in developing intensive agricultural systems as farmers shifted key resources from cotton to maize.
Using Common Sense to Effectively Integrate Security Technologies within a School's Security Strategy

Security technologies are not the answer to all school security problems. However, they can be an excellent tool for school administrators and security personnel when incorporated into a total security strategy involving personnel, procedures, and facility layout. Unfortunately, very few of the tougher security problems in schools have solutions that are affordable, effective, and acceptable. Like any other type of facility, a school's security staff must understand the strengths and limitations of the security measures they are c
Developing Models in Virtual Cell

This Teaching Resource provides lecture notes, slides, and a student assignment for a two-part lecture on mathematical modeling using the Virtual Cell environment. The lectures discuss the steps involved in developing and running simulations using Virtual Cell, with particular focus on spatial partial differential equation models. We discuss how to construct both ordinary differential equation models, in which the cytoplasm is considered a well-mixed cellular compartment, and partial differential equation models, which calculate how chemical species change as a function of both time and location. The Virtual Cell environment is especially well suited for models that explore spatial specificity of cellular reactions. Partial differential equation models in Virtual Cell can give rise to simulations using predefined cellular geometries, which enable direct comparison with imaging data. These models address questions regarding the regulatory capability arising from spatial organization of the cell. Examples are provided of studies that have successfully exploited the Virtual Cell software to address the spatial contribution to signaling.
Improved cloud and snow screening in MAIAC aerosol retrievals using spectral and spatial analysis

An improved cloud/snow screening technique in the Multi-Angle Implementation of Atmospheric Correction (MAIAC) algorithm is described. It is implemented as part of MAIAC aerosol retrievals based on analysis of spectral residuals and spatial variability. Comparisons with AERONET aerosol observations and a large-scale MODIS data analysis show strong suppression of aerosol optical thickness outliers due to unresolved clouds and snow. At the same time, the developed filter does not reduce the aerosol retrieval capability at high 1 km resolution in strongly inhomogeneous environments, such as near centers of the active fires. Despite significant improvement, the optical depth outliers in high spatial resolution data are and will remain the problem to be addressed by the application-dependent specialized filtering techniques.
Barium Esophagography: A Study for All Seasons

Although a variety of diagnostic procedures are often performed on patients with pharyngeal or esophageal symptoms, barium esophagography is a noninvasive, inexpensive, and readily available test that can simultaneously evaluate swallowing function, esophageal motility, gastroesophageal reflux, and a host of structural abnormalities in the pharynx and esophagus. This article reviews the role of barium esophagography for assessing swallowing function, morphologic abnormalities of the pharynx (diverticula, webs, and carcinoma), esophageal motility disorders (achalasia and diffuse esophageal spasm), and morphologic abnormalities of the esophagus (reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, infectious esophagitis, drug-induced esophagitis, eosinophilic esophagitis, Schatzki's ring, and esophageal carcinoma).
Should the Government be Allowed to Engage in Racial, Sexual, or Other Acts of Discrimination?

The State of Arkansas has enacted a Distinguished Governor’s Scholarship Program that awards full college scholarships based solely on ACT or SAT scores. The purpose of the program is the keep “the best and brightest students” in Arkansas. As a matter of fact, fewer that one percent of the scholarships have gone to African-American and Hispanic students. Additionally, the scholarship monies are paid directly to both public and church-related institutions. The amount of aid paid to church-related colleges exceeds that awarded to public institutions.This paper first examines the Establishment Clause (Clause) issues of whether direct payments to church-related schools violates the Clause, whether a disparity in the amount of scholarship monies paid the church schools offends the Clause, whether the program creates an incentive to attend church schools, and whether this constitutes a scheme to divert state tax money to church schools. We next examine the disparate-impact of the program on African-American students and conclude that the program violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.We conclude the paper with an examination of the program and the issue of government and private discrimination from the vantage point of the libertarian philosophy. We conclude that the Arkansas program is unwholesome and discriminatory from both the Title VI disparate-impact and libertarian perspectives. We attack the plan on the more radical basis that it would be contrary to libertarian law even if the same proportion of blacks and whites had received scholarships. This is so because the government plan makes invidious comparisons between inept and brilliant students, awarding tax money all to the latter and none to the former. Where is the warrant for the government (private schools excepted) to award scholarships based on intelligence, while ignoring the stupid or ignorant? The State not only vitiates against black people but ignorant people as well. We make the case that this is unwarranted government discrimination on the part of the State.
Evaluation of sports-related temporomandibular dysfunctions.

Abstract Objective: To analyze the steps used in evaluation of sports- related temporomandibular dysfunctions and make recommendation for treatment and referral based upon the evaluation findings. Data Sources: This review searched Cinahl (1982 to 1995) and Medline (1986 to 1995). Key words searched included “sports related temporomandibular dysfunction,” “temporomandibular dysfunction,” and “temporomandibular joint.” Data Synthesis: This paper provides an introduction to the anatomy and biomechanics of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) as well as causes of temporomandibular disorders in athletes. An analysis of the evaluative steps used for the temporomandibular joint is also given. Findings that suggest specific temporomandibular dysfunctions are discussed. Conclusions/Recommendations: Recommendations about when dental consultation is most appropriate or if conservative treatment is indicated are included. Hopefully, this will provide the sports medicine practitioner with a better understanding of the joint and its dysfunctions, as well as eliminate some unnecessary and costly dental referrals for our athletes.
The Mckinney Homeless Assistance Act: Should a Private Right of Action Be Implied?

Many federal programs in such areas as welfare, housing, and education have as their sole purpose the protection and assistance of the poor. Yet often times inaction by federal officials or misconduct by state administrators result in the wrongful denial to the poor of benefits specifically intended for them. In those situations, courts have often enforced the underlying public policy of the statutes through implied rights of action to private parties. Courts have recognized that allowing the accused administrators to determine congressional intent would frustrate underlying public policy as well as the legitimate expectations of the poor. The opportunity to seek redress is critically important to the poor. Homeless people typically have no political or economic power to go before Congress and as a result can only turn to the courts. If that avenue is closed to them as well, homeless people will be left with no forum to redress their grievances. Such results have the harshest consequences on the poor, as they are fighting not only against economic harm, but also against irreparable harm such as inadequate living conditions, health care, education and family support. The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act was enacted to provide rights and assistance to homeless people. The Act does not contain an express private right of action, and it is yet uncertain whether Congress intended one to be implied. This Article proposes that courts settle the issue with a definitive ruling. Analogizing the McKinney Act to other statutes with similar impact on the poor, the Article concludes that despite the Supreme Court's recent reluctance to imply private rights of action, federal courts should permit private claims under the McKinney Act.
Cycloheximide effect on vitamin B12 absorption and intrinsic factor production in the rat.

SummaryCycloheximide given parenterally to rats delays gastric emptying of vitamin B12-57Co, decreases the secretion rate of intrinsic factor and inhibits absorption of the vitamin in the small intestine even in the presence of intrinsic factor.