cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Na+ pool and Na+ concentration in epidermis of frog skin

Abstract I. Estimations of intracellular [Na+]c in epithelial cells of non-short-circuited skins ofRana pipiens in sulfate Ringer's were made at varying [Na+]0 by two indirect methods. (a) Intracellular Na+ content (μequiv/cm2) was determined by the “Na+-pool method”. From this and estimations of total cellular and extracellular volume an average value for[Na+]e was calculated. (b)[Na+]e was determined by using a modified Nernst equation, assuming Na+ permselectivity for the “outer border” of skin. Both methods yielded identical values for[Na+]e which varied in the same manner with[Na+]o. 2. From variations of[Na+]8 [Na+] in the subcorneal space) and[Na+]e with changing[Na+]o,E00 (potential difference across outer border) was calculated and the results compared to the experimentally found change of 35 mV for a io -fold change in[Na+]0. The calculation s based on[Na+]s and[Na+]e gave the correct slope, but the absolute potential differences (PD) were too low when compared to known measurements of the intracellular PD values. 3. From this discrepancy it is suggested that[Na+]e in the cells of the “first reacting cell layer” is lower, and[Na+]e in the remaining cells is higher than[Na+]e. This is illustrated by a sample calculation. Values for[Na+]e, first reacting cell layer, are 3–13 mM for[Na−]0 = 7−110mM. This supports the hypothesis of passive entry of Na+ into the epidermis. By computer simulation it is shown that a model can be constructed that maintains in a steady state such [Na+] gradients and yields flux characteristics in agreement with typical laboratory observations.
Retinal input influences the size and corticocortical connectivity of visual cortex during postnatal development in the ferret

Retinal input plays an important role in the specification of topographically organized circuits and neuronal response properties, but the mechanism and timing of this effect is not known in most species. A system that shows dramatic dependence on retinal influences is the interhemispheric connection through the corpus callosum. Using ferrets, we analyzed the extent to which development of the visual callosal pattern depends on retinal influences, and explored the period during which these influences are required for normal pattern formation. We studied the mature callosal patterns in normal ferrets and in ferrets bilaterally enucleated (BE) at postnatal day 7 (P7) or P20. Callosal patterns were revealed in tangential sections from unfolded and flattened brains following multiple injections of horseradish peroxidase in the opposite hemisphere. We also estimated the effect of enucleation on the surface areas of striate and extrastriate visual cortex by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from intact brains. In BEP7 ferrets we found that the pattern of callosal connections was highly anomalous and the sizes of both striate and extrastriate visual cortex were significantly reduced. In contrast, enucleation at P20 had no significant effect on the callosal pattern, but it still caused a reduction in the size of striate and extrastriate visual cortex. Finally, retinal deafferentation had no significant effect on the number of visual callosal neurons. These results indicate that the critical period during which the eyes influence the development of callosal patterns, but not the size of visual cortex, ends by P20 in the ferret.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of androgen receptors in genital and extragenital lichen sclerosus: evidence for loss of androgen receptors in lesional epidermis.

Abstract Background: Reduction of lichen sclerosus has been seen with topical testosterone, and spontaneous resolution has been attributed to increasing androgen levels. Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the role of androgens in lichen sclerosus by studying lesional skin and site-specific normal skin for the presence of androgen receptors. Methods: Immunoperoxidase staining for androgen receptors was performed on lesional tissue from 31 patients and microscopically compared with site-specific normal skin. Results: Androgen receptors were present in normal genital and extragenital skin. Lesional genital and extragenital areas showed decreased staining compared with site-specific controls. Finally, staining was decreased in histologically well-developed lesions compared with early lesions. Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the loss of androgen receptors with disease progression in both genital and extragenital skin affected by lichen sclerosus. These findings support a hormonal pathogenesis of lichen sclerosus and may be significant in the treatment of the disease. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:43-6.)
Histologic characteristics of late cellular rejection, significance of centrilobular injury, and long‐term outcome in pediatric liver transplant recipients

Cellular rejection is a common event in orthotopic liver transplantation, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Late acute cellular rejection, which occurs at least 3 months post-transplant, affects 8-32% of pediatric liver transplant recipients. The histopathology and clinical outcome of patients affected by late cellular rejection are incompletely understood. The aims of this study were 1) to characterize late cellular rejection in the pediatric liver transplant population and describe the histopathology of late cellular rejection, with specific attention to centrilobular injury, including necrosis, inflammation, and endothelialitis and 2) to characterize the long-term outcome of pediatric liver transplant recipients with centrilobular injury, including necrosis, inflammation, and endothelialitis. All liver biopsies performed from August 1997 to August 2002 on pediatric patients at least 6 months post-transplant were reviewed, scored for rejection by Banff criteria and examined for centrilobular inflammatory changes. Histology was then correlated with clinical outcomes. Fifteen percent of biopsies had late cellular rejection by Banff criteria. Centrilobular inflammation, necrosis and central vein endothelialitis were common in these biopsies. In patients with similar centrilobular changes, but not meeting Banff criteria for rejection, 29% were treated for rejection and responded well clinically. The long-term outcome of patients with isolated centrilobular injury is similar to that of patients with centrilobular changes associated with portal based rejection. In conclusion, the presence of centrilobular inflammation, necrosis, or central vein endothelialitis should prompt consideration of late cellular rejection.
Photoperiodic effect on size‐related metamorphosis in the milkweed leaf beetle, Labidomera clivicollis

. Photoperiod significantly affected size-related aspects of metamorphosis in the milkweed leaf beetle Labidomera clivicollis (Kirby) (Chrysomelidae). Larvae reared under short-day photoperiod successfully pupated at lower weights than larvae reared under long-day photoperiods. This short-day effect was observed to an equivalent extent in both males and females; but within photoperiod treatments, males consistently pupated at lower weights than females. It is likely that the short-day effect on metamorphosis is associated with photo-periodically induced changes in larval corpora allata activity or juvenile hormone titre. Ecologically, the short-day effect on metamorphosis may enhance the moulting success of larvae which encounter food shortages during autumn.
B16 melanoma spontaneous brain metastasis: occurrence and development within leptomeninges blood vessels.

Subcutaneous tumors initiated with mouse B16 melanoma clones G3.5 and G3.12 disseminated visible spontaneous brain metastases in 67 per cent and 32 per cent, respectively, of mice with extensive lung metastasis. Most brain metastases appeared as pigmented emboli within blood vessels of the leptomeninges overlying the cerebral cortex. Intravascular metastases consisted of tumor cell aggregates surrounded by fibrous material and generally contained viable cells that proliferated in culture. Some metastatic emboli apparently proliferated intravascularly to such an extent as to cause vessel disruption, permitting tumor invasion into the adjacent cerebral cortex. Cultured cells from G3.12 leptomeninges metastases produced tumors that metastasized to a much greater extent than unselected G3.12 tumors, but brain metastasis still occurred only secondarily, after initial dissemination to the lungs. In contrast, G3.5 brain metastasis-derived populations formed tumors that ultimately metastasized to the brain to lesser extents than did unselected G3.5 tumors. One selected variant, G3.12/BM2, reproducibly formed visible and viable brain metastases in more than 80 per cent of tumor-bearing mice, and lethal or potentially lethal brain metastases in 10–15 per cent of mice. This variant may serve as a model for clinical brain metastasis.
Validating self-reports of illegal drug use to evaluate National Drug Control Policy: A reanalysis and critique

Illicit drug use remains at high levels in the U.S. The federal Office of National Drug Control Policy evaluates the outcomes of national drug demand reduction policies by assessing annual changes in drug use from several federally sponsored annual national surveys. Such survey methods, relying exclusively on drug use as self-reported on interviews or questionnaires, have been criticized by the United States Government Accountability Office as well as by independent experts, This paper critiques a major validity study of self-reported illicit drug use among youth commissioned by the federal government, showing that the favorable conclusions and summaries offered for public consumption are not warranted. Specifically, the findings of the validity study, which compared self-reports with urine tests, are consistent with prior research showing that self-reports substantially underestimate illicit drug use and can dramatically affect indicators of change. Thus, these national surveys are largely inadequate for evaluating national drug demand reduction policies and programs.
Back and forth

SummaryThat some membranes restrict certain lipid species to one side of the bilayer and others to the opposite side has been known for two decades. However, how this asymmetric transbilayer distribution is generated and controlled, how many and what type of membranes are so structured, and even the reason for its existence is just now beginning to be understood. It has been a decade since the discovery of an activity which transports in an ATP-dependent manner only the aminophospholipids from the outer to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. This aminophospholipid translocase has yet to be isolated, reconstituted, and identified molecularly. Elevating intracellular Ca2+ allows all the major classes of phospholipids to move freely across the bilayer, scrambling lipids and dissipating asymmetry. The nature of this pathway and its mode of activation by Ca2+ remain to be determined. Though loss of transbilayer asymmetry by blood cells clearly produces a procoagulant surface and increases interactions wi...
Kinetics of Drug Action in Disease States. XXXVIII: Effect of Body Temperature on the Convulsant Activity of Pentylenetetrazol in Rats

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of body temperature on the pharmacodynamics (convulsant activity) of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Rats received an iv infusion of PTZ until the onset of maximal seizures, at which time samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), brain, and blood (for serum) were obtained for subsequent determination of PTZ concentrations by HPLC. The PTZ infusion caused a decrease in body temperature of ~4
New limbs for old

Vertebrate Limb Regeneration. By H. Wallace. Pp.276. ISBN 0-471-27877-7. (Wiley: 1981.) £19.50, $46.35.
Targeting Glucose Consumption and Autophagy in Myeloma with the Novel Nucleoside Analogue 8-Aminoadenosine

Multiple myeloma, an incurable plasma cell malignancy, is characterized by altered cellular metabolism and resistance to apoptosis. Recent connections between glucose metabolism and resistance to apoptosis provide a compelling rationale for targeting metabolic changes in cancer. In this study, we have examined the ability of the purine analogue 8-aminoadenosine to acutely reduce glucose consumption by regulating localization and expression of key glucose transporters. Myeloma cells counteracted the metabolic stress by activating autophagy. Co-treatment with inhibitors of autophagy results in marked enhancement of cell death. Glucose consumption by drug-resistant myeloma cells was unaffected by 8-aminoadenosine, and accordingly, no activation of autophagy was observed. However, these cells can be sensitized to 8-aminoadenosine under glucose-limiting conditions. The prosurvival autophagic response of myeloma to nutrient deprivation or to nucleoside analogue treatment has not been described previously. This study establishes the potential of metabolic targeting as a broader means to kill and sensitize myeloma and identifies a compound that can achieve this goal.
On an auction solution to the problem of airline overbooking

Abstract Ever since Ralph Nader sued Allegheny Airlines for bumping him, the issue of overbooking by airlines has become a controversial public policy matter. This paper discusses some of the proposed solutions. In particular, we argue that Simon's Overbooking Auction Plan is sound and we present some survey results which seem to support our view.
Limit-Theorems For Maximum-Likelihood Estimators In The Curie-Weiss-Potts Model

Abstract The Curie-Weiss-Potts model, a model in statistical mechanics, is parametrized by the inverse temperature β and the external magnetic field h . This paper studies the asymptotic behavior of the maximum likelihood estimator of the parameter β when h = 0 and the asymptotic behavior of the maximum likelihood estimator of the parameter h when β is known and the true value of h is 0. The limits of these maximum likelihood estimators reflect the phase transition in the model; i.e., different limits depending on whether β β c , β = β c or β > β c , where β c ϵ (0, ∞) is the critical inverse temperature of the model.
Pine mouth (pine nut) syndrome: description of the toxidrome, preliminary case definition, and best evidence regarding an apparent etiology.

Pine mouth syndrome (PMS), otherwise known as pine nut syndrome, is a relatively new condition. At least several thousand cases have now been described in the literature. The author describes the PMS toxidrome, offers a preliminary case definition, and discusses current best evidence regarding the etiology and risk factors related to the development of PMS. A clinically compatible case of PMS must include taste disturbance, usually characterized as bitter or metallic, following the ingestion of affected pine nuts by 1 to 3 days. Affected nuts would appear to include all, or some portion, of nuts harvested from species Pinus armandii (Chinese white pine), but could include nuts from other species. The specific toxin that is apparently present in affected nuts has not yet been isolated, and the mechanism of toxicity and factors determining PMS susceptibility need to be further detailed. There are no proven therapies for PMS. The only treatment is to cease ingesting implicated nuts and to wait for symptoms to abate.
SIMPLIFIED EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS FOR THE VIBRATION OF ORTHOTROPIC CYLINDRICAL SHELLS

Abstract Starting with Love type equations of motion for orthotropic circular cylindrical shells, the theory is simplified by assumptions similar to those in the Donnell-Mushtari-Vlasov development for isotropic shells. Closed form solutions for simply supported cases are then obtained. Results of two example cases are compared with finite element results and are shown to agree well. It is argued that this simplified approach allows easy assessment of the influence of design parameter changes.
MOVEMENT OF THE FLOWER STIMULUS IN XANTHIUM

A B S TR A C T A distribution pattern of the flower stimulus is clearly demonstrated. The direction of the movement of the flower stimulus could be altered either by application of GA or by removal of the plant organs concerned. Dormant buds responded to the flower stimulus provided that the flower stimulus was forced down by means of decapitation and disbudding or was raised to a high level by increasing the number of the inductive cycles. A photoperiodically insensitive leaf which had been exposed to short days can still exert the inhibitory effect on flowering. THE FLOWER stimulus moves in living phloem tissues up and down either in the intact stem or across a graft union (Chailakhjan, 1938; Hamner and Bonner, 1938; Withrow and Withrow, 1943; Lona, 1946; Zeevaart, 1962). In Xanthium the flower stimulus moves out of the leaf in an effective amount a few hours following the inductive dark period (Khudairi and Hamner, 1954; Lockhart and Hamner, 1954; Skok and Scully, 1954). Using radioactive C14, Chailakhjan and Butenko (1957) demonstrated that the movement of the flower stimulus in Perilla is closely associated with the assimilation stream. The translocation of the flower stimulus can be inhibited not only by environmental factors (Borthwick, Parker, and Heinze, 1941) but also by the presence of mature leaves kept under conditions unfavorable to flowering (Hamner and Bonner, 1938; Lincoln, Raven, and Hamner, 1956). In the present study the movement of the flower stimulus in Xanthium was investigated in an effort to learn more about the forces influencing the movement of the flower stimulus in plants.
Swimming speeds of larval coral reef fishes: impacts on self-recruitment and dispersal

The dispersal of larvae during their time in the pelagic environment is critically important to our understanding of marine populations. Recent publications have highlighted the potential importance of larval behaviour in influencing dispersal patterns of larval reef fishes. However, it has not been clearly established if their abilities are of a magnitude comparable to the potential effects of oceanic processes and whether larval behaviour is sufficient to facilitate self-recruitment. This study presents new data on the swimming speed of late-stage larvae to determine how they can swim relative to oceanic currents. The families examined comprised the Acanthuridae, Siganidae, Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae, Pomacentridae, Chaetodontidae, Nemipteridae, Monacanthidae, Psuedochromidae, Pomacanthidae and Apogonidae. The late-stage larvae of all reef fish families examined were able to swim at speeds greater than the mean transport speeds reported around reefs in most locations. However, even the best-swimming reef fish families could not swim faster than the maximum current speeds reported. Based on new and previously published data it appears that the development of swimming ability can be described adequately (80% of variation explained) as a linear increase from zero at hatching to a species-specific maximum at settlement. Calculations based on this developmental pattern suggest that most reef fish families could substantially influence their dispersal patterns relative to ocean currents for over 50% of their larval phase. For all families examined, swimming behaviour could potentially affect dispersal patterns on a magnitude similar to the dispersing effect of oceanic currents. In addition, the swimming capabilities of several reef fish families have the potential to facilitate active self-recruitment in a range of reef systems.
Facilitation of NADH Electro-oxidation at Treated Carbon Nanotubes

The relationship between the state of the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their electrochemical activity was investigated using the enzyme cofactor dihydronicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) as a redox probe. The boiling of CNTs in water, while nondestructive, activated them toward the oxidation of NADH, as indicated by a shift in the anodic peak potential of NADH (ENADH) from 0.4 V to 0.0 V. The shift in ENADH was due to the redox mediation of NADH oxidation by traces of quinone species that were formed on the surface of treated CNTs. The harsher treatment that was comprised of microwaving CNTs in concentrated nitric acid had a similar effect on the ENADH, and, additionally, it increased the anodic peak current of NADH. The latter correlated with the formation of defects on the surface of acid-microwaved CNTs, as indicated by their Raman spectra. The increase in current was discussed, considering the role of surface mediators on the buckled graphene sheets of acid-microwaved CNTs. The other c...
Synthesis, Characterization, and Variable Range Hopping Transport of Pyrite (FeS2) Nanorods, Nanobelts, and Nanoplates

We report the growth, structural, and electrical characterization of single-crystalline iron pyrite (FeS2) nanorods, nanobelts, and nanoplates synthesized via sulfidation reaction with iron dichloride (FeCl2) and iron dibromide (FeBr2). The as-synthesized products were confirmed to be single-crystal phase pure cubic iron pyrite using powder X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. An intermediate reaction temperature of 425 °C or a high sulfur vapor pressure under high temperatures was found to be critical for the formation of phase pure pyrite. Field effect transport measurements showed that these pyrite nanostructures appear to behave as a moderately p-doped semiconductor with an average resistivity of 2.19 ± 1.21 Ω·cm, an improved hole mobility of 0.2 cm2 V–1 s–1, and a lower carrier concentration on the order of 1018–1019 cm–3 compared with previous reported pyrite nanowires. Temperature-dependent electrical transport measurements reveal Mott variable range hopping ...
Risk factors and management of local recurrence following breast conservation surgery

Although a number of histologic and treatment factors that individually and in combination predict for an increased risk of local recurrence after breast conserving surgery can be identified, none so obviously compromises survival that breast conservation is contraindicated because that risk factor is present. In-breast recurrence is associated with the risk of any disease remaining after lumpectomy if the breast is not irradiated and the risk of large amounts of residual disease if irradiation is used. Some risk factors appear to predict for both local recurrence and distant recurrence, whereas others predict an increased risk of local recurrence but appear to have little effect on the risk of metastatic disease. Overall, the relation between in-breast recurrence and the risk of systemic metastases is poorly understood. Furthermore, the efficacy of chemotherapy in decreasing the risk of systemic metastases after in-breast recurrence has not been evaluated. Mastectomy is the treatment of choice for in-breast recurrence after breast conserving surgery and radiation therapy. A few patients are candidates for a second attempt at breast conservation.
Redistribution of methionine and cystine during experimental wound healing.

Abstract Chemical and radioactivity measurements have been performed on a number of tissues, including wound, kidney, and fractionated liver and blood plasma to detect alterations in the distribution of the sulfur-containing amino acids cystine and methionine after the infliction of experimental skin wounds. A depletion of body methionine and cystine containing proteins at the expense of regenerating wound proteins was noted. A stimulation of the rate of metabolism of the subject compounds in liver and kidney tissues is indicated, and reflected in studies of blood plasma protein and non-protein fractions. A possible mechanism by which the body meets the demand for large amounts of cystine and methionine for wound protein formation is discussed.
ECME hard thresholding methods for image reconstruction from compressive samples

We propose two hard thresholding schemes for image reconstruction from compressive samples. The measurements follow an underdetermined linear model, where the regression-coefficient vector is a sum of an unknown deterministic sparse signal component and a zero-mean white Gaussian component with an unknown variance. We derived an expectation-conditional maximization either (ECME) iteration that converges to a local maximum of the likelihood function of the unknown parameters for a given image sparsity level. Here, we present and analyze a double overrelaxation (DORE) algorithm that applies two successive overrelaxation steps after one ECME iteration step, with the goal to accelerate the ECME iteration. To analyze the reconstruction accuracy, we introduce minimum sparse subspace quotient (minimum SSQ), a more flexible measure of the sampling operator than the well-established restricted isometry property (RIP). We prove that, if the minimum SSQ is sufficiently large, the DORE algorithm achieves perfect or near-optimal recovery of the true image, provided that its transform coefficients are sparse or nearly sparse, respectively. We then describe a multiple-initialization DORE algorithm (DOREMI) that can significantly improve DORE’s reconstruction performance. We present numerical examples where we compare our methods with existing compressive sampling image reconstruction approaches.
Asymmetric Geographic Forwarding: Exploiting Link Asymmetry in Location Aware Routing

Geographic Forwarding GF algorithms typically employ a neighbor discovery method to maintain a neighborhood table that works well only if all wireless links are symmetric. Recent experimental research has revealed that the link conditions in realistic wireless networks vary significantly from the ideal disk model and a substantial percentage of links are asymmetric. Existing GF algorithms fail to consider asymmetric links in neighbor discovery and thus discount a significant number of potentially stable routes with good one-way reliability. This paper introduces Asymmetric Geographic Forwarding A-GF, which discovers asymmetric links in the network, evaluates them for stability e.g., based on mobility, and uses them to obtain more efficient and shorter routes. A-GF also successfully identifies transient asymmetric links and ignores them to further improve the routing efficiency. Comparisons of A-GF to the original GF algorithm and another related symmetric routing algorithm indicate a decrease in hop count and therefore latency and an increase in successful route establishments, with only a small increase in overhead.
Pulmonary Consolidation Associated with Infusion of a Glucose-Insulin-Potassium Solution in Acute Myocardial Infarction

From 1972 to 1975, we have observed seven patients with localized pulmonary consolidation distal to the tip of a Swan-Ganz catheter. These seven instances occurred in a population of over 300 patients receiving a hypertonic solution of glucose, insulin, and potassium for acute myocardial infarction. In four patients the glucose-insulin-potassium solution was instilled directly into the right pulmonary artery from the tip of the Swan-Ganz catheter. In the subsequent three patients the solution was administered via the right atrial port and thus perfused the entire pulmonary vascular bed. The roentgenographic appearance of this localized pulmonary consolidation is indistinguishable from infarction caused by pulmonary thromboembolus or wedging of the catheter.
Critical two-phase flow of helium

More sophisticated interpolation methods may also be used to perform such a check. For example, a spline-function interpolation was used with the same sets of data and results of these checks are shown in Fig.2. The advantage of this method is that here A is dependent mainly on the error and therefore results are scattered around the T axis rather than along some other curve of undetermined shape, as it is when linear interpolation is used. However, this method has major disadvantages when compared with the linear interpolation:
Ring Prediction for Non-Uniform Cache Architectures

Increasing wire delays and memory capacities motivate new ways of designing 12 and 13 caches. NUCA (non-uniform cache architecture) has received considerable attention in the last few years. While most of the prior NUCA-based efforts have focused on data placement, data replacement, and migration related issues, this paper studies the problem of data search. Specifically, it proposes and experimentally evaluates several data search schemes for NUCA L2 caches that exhibit different performance-power trade-offs. These schemes are based on predicting the next ring (set of banks) to be accessed in a NUCA L2, and checking the banks in that ring first. In this work, we present the details of these prediction schemes, and compare them to two alternate approaches: searching all rings in parallel, and searching rings sequentially, starting with the one that is closest to the CPU.
β-glucuronidase gene expression and mRNA stability in oat protoplasts.

Protoplasts derived from oat (Avena sativa L.) suspension culture cells (7 days after subculturing) were electroporated with plasmid DNA containing the Escherichia coli uidA gene encoding the s-glucuronidase reporter enzyme. Consistently high enzyme activity was observed with electroporation conditions of 500 μF and 1125 volts/cm. Enzyme activity and mRNA accumulation time courses were determined. The maximum enzyme activity was detected at 24 hours after electroporation, while the maximum mRNA level was detected at 12 hours after electroporation. s-glucuronidase mRNA was in vitro synthesized with and without a 5' methylated cap and then electroporated into protoplasts. Only capped mRNA produced significant enzyme activity. By electroporating radiolabeled, in vitro synthesized mRNA, the s-glucuronidase mRNA half-life was estimated to be ∼35 minutes in oat protoplasts.
Cloning of a human cDNA encoding a putative nucleotide-binding protein related to Escherichia coli MinD.

Abstract A novel human cDNA encoding a putative nucleotide-binding protein (NBP) was obtained by screening a human SHSY5Y neuroblastoma library. The deduced protein contains 320 amino acids (aa) with a M r of 34 540. NBP displays sequence similarity with the product of the minD gene from Escherichia coli . MinD is involved in the proper placement of the division septum, and has ATPase activity. NBP and MinD contain consensus nucleotide (nt)-binding domains. The NBP mRNA is approx. 1500 nt in length and is expressed in several human cell lines and in all rat tissues examined, with the highest levels in lung and testis.
A cylindrical shell discrete element.

The development of the stiffness and consistent mass matrices for a finite cylindrical shell element is reported. The derivation of these matrices is based upon linear behavior and thin-shell assumptions. Expressing the assumed displacement state over the middle surface of the cylindrical shell element as products of one-dimensional, first-order Hermite interpolation formulas, it is possible to insure that the displacement state for the assembled set of cylindrical elements is geometrically admissible. Mono tonic convergence of the total potential energy is therefore assured as the modeling is successively refined, since the assumed displacement pattern satisfies the admissibility requirements in the statement of the principle of minimum potential energy. A numerical example is included to demonstrate the effectiveness of this cylindrical shell discrete element.
Evaluation of an alternative traffic light change anticipation system

A driving simulator was used to study the efficacy of an alternative signal phasing program. The new Traffic Light Change Anticipation System (TLCAS) utilizes a flashing amber in conjunction with a solid green indication to warn drivers of the impending onset of the solid amber indication. This new program was expected to provide drivers with additional information with which to make safe stopping or crossing decisions, and reduce behaviour associated with increased accident rates at signalized intersections. Additionally, a new measure of first response variability was introduced to evaluate the effect of the new program on driver behavior. The results indicated that the new system has the ability to reduce the number of red light violations. Of the 1148 target intersections, 43 violations were recorded for the regular program compared to 9 for the TLCAS program. The severity of decelerations was also impacted. The regular program displayed average maximum decelerations of 3.1 m/sec2 compared to 2.5 m/sec2 for the TLCAS program. However, the TLCAS program showed an increased variability in first response five times larger than the regular program. This finding, in conjunction with traditional measures, indicates that the new system performs comparably to an increased amber duration by increasing the potential for conflicting decisions between successive drivers approaching an intersection. Altogether, the results suggest that this alternative signal phasing program would not improve intersection safety. The findings also suggest that further study of the longitudinal behavior after the introduction of a TLCAS program may be warranted. Specifically, future studies should examine whether subjects engage in appropriate adaptive changes when confronted with a solid amber period warning after becoming familiar with the TLCAS.
Inelastic sports pricing

A recurrent finding in estimates of the gate demand for sports events is pricing in the inelastic portion of demand. With few exceptions, this finding has either been ignored or (rather poorly) explained away. In this paper, the recurrent outcome is detailed and the explanations given by past authors are discussed. Then, profit maximization theory is explored for its inelastic pricing implications. It ends up that the local TV revenue relationships between MLB teams satisfy the situation that theory predicts would generate inelastic gate pricing. This suggests two things. First, inelastic pricing is consistent with profit maximizing team behavior. Second, fuller specification of revenue functions will enhance future work in the area. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phorbol ester stimulates the synthesis and secretion of brain natriuretic peptide from neonatal rat ventricular cardiocytes : a comparison with the regulation of atrial natriuretic factor

During left ventricular hypertrophy, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) mRNA levels increase, possibly due to stretch-induced activation of protein kinase C. Phorbol ester treatment of primary cultures of neonatal rat ventricular cardiocytes represents an in vitro model of hypertrophic cell growth and has previously been shown to stimulate ANF synthesis and secretion. Using this model, we studied the synthesis and secretion of BNP to determine whether its regulation in cardiac cells is similar to ANF. Addition of 10(-7) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) resulted in a 3- to 4-fold increase in immunoreactive BNP (irBNP) secretion 24-48 h after treatment. Over a concentration range of 10(-8)-10(-6) M, PMA increased irBNP secretion to equivalent levels. Another phorbol ester agonist, phorbol 12,13-didecanoate, stimulated irBNP secretion, while the inactive analog 4 alpha-phorbol 12,13-didecanoate had no effect. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) with 10(-8) M staurosporine decreased basal secretion of irBNP 60% and prevented PMA induction of irBNP, whereas both stimulated and basal secretion of ANF were minimally affected. BNP mRNA increased 6-fold by 3 h of PMA treatment and remained elevated above control levels for 48 h. Staurosporine prevented the increase in BNP mRNA. To determine whether PKC or a PKC-dependent pathway was involved in persistent stimulation of BNP and ANF in cells chronically treated with PMA, ventricular cardiocytes were treated with PMA for 24 h, followed by PMA plus 10(-8) M staurosporine for 24 h. BNP mRNA was reduced to control levels, while ANF mRNA was reduced by an average of 20%. To test whether mRNA stability was involved in the differential effect of chronic phorbol ester treatment, cardiocytes were treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (20 micrograms/ml). BNP mRNA levels were stimulated as early as 30 min after treatment, but ANF mRNA remained unaffected. Cycloheximide also potentiated PMA's effect on BNP mRNA after 1.5, 9.5, and 24 h of treatment. To test whether a transcriptional mechanism was involved in the stimulation of BNP mRNA by PMA, cells were treated with the inhibitor actinomycin D (5 micrograms/ml) for 24 h in the presence of PMA. Actinomycin D reduced the stimulatory effect of PMA on BNP mRNA.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The Names of Fossil Plants

EVERY botanist musixagree with Dr. Marie Stopes that there should be some ready way to distinguish between the fossil plants which are referred with reasonable assurance to their genera, and those which are merely placed in genera which they seem to resemble, but to which they very probably do not belong. We must also agree that it is unsatisfactory to call every doubtful leaf “Phyllites”, without any serious attempt to indicate its affinities. The use of Gothic type, suggested by Dr. Stopes for the doubtful genera, has some disadvantages, one of them being the inconvenience to the printer. Would it not be simpler to use quotation marks, in the case cited by Dr. Stopes writing Ophioglossum granulatum? The generic name only should be enclosed within commas, as it alone is supposed to be in doubt. The method proposed has the advantage of being already more or less current, and readily understood by any reader.
Identification of immunoreactive substance P in human and other mammalian endothelial cells

Endothelial cells release both vasodilatory (e.g., PGI2, EDRF, oxygen radicals) and vasoconstrictor (e.g., EDCF) substances which modify vascular tone and contractility. We report the existence of the vasodilatory tachykinin substance P within endothelial cell scraping from human, rat and dog thoracic aorta and human pial arteries with values ranging from 1.0 +/- 0.1 (rat aorta) to 1.9 +/- 0.5 (dog aorta) fmol/mg protein. The immunoreactive component eluted with a retention time identical to that of radiolabelled substance P when analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography combined with radioimmunoassay. Cultured endothelial cells from bovine cerebral microvessels contained measurable levels of substance P in passages 3-8, suggesting the likelihood that these cells synthesize substance P. However, the level of gene expression must be low since efforts to demonstrate the presence of preprotachykinin mRNA by Northern blot analysis of dog and rat aortic endothelial cell RNA or by RNase protection analysis of rat aortic endothelial cell RNA was not successful.
Anatomic segmentation and volumetric calculations in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging

A comprehensive methodology for image segmentation is presented. Tools for differential and intensity contouring, and outline optimization are discussed, as well as the methods for automating such procedures. After segmentation, regional volumes and image intensity distributions can be determined. The methodology is applied to nuclear magnetic resonance images of the brain. Examples of the results of volumetric calculations for the cerebral cortex, white matter, cerebellum, ventricular system, and caudate nucleus are presented. An image intensity distribution is demonstrated for the cerebral cortex. >
Biological invasions and scientific objectivity: Reply to Cassey et al. (2005)

We disagree with the assertion that recent human-caused invasions differ substantially from historic natural invasions in their magnitudes and impacts on ecological processes. The position that exotic species are inherently 'bad' and should be eradicated is an ethical judgement, usually based on the naturalist fallacy or xenophobic prejudice; it is not a scientific judgement. The role of scientists in studying invasive species should be to gather, interpret and communicate information as accurately and objectively as possible.
Bungee cord-associated ocular trauma.

Abstract Purpose To discuss the incidence and to characterize the clinical features of ocular trauma associated with bungee cord injuries. Design Retrospective case series. Participants The authors identified 67 subjects (60 males) treated at Wills Eye Hospital for ocular trauma resulting from bungee cords between September 1, 1994, and September 1, 1999. Methods The authors reviewed subjects’ records from Wills Eye Hospital, records from outside physicians involved in the subjects’ care, and conducted telephone interviews when additional information was needed. Main outcome measures Each chart was reviewed for demographic information, mechanism of injury, presenting visual acuity, anterior segment, posterior segment and periocular injuries, medical and surgical intervention, final visual acuity, and length of follow-up. Results Mean visual acuity on presentation was 20/150. The most common anterior, posterior, and periocular injuries were hyphema (42/67, 63%), commotio retinae (30/55, 55%), and eyelid edema/ecchymosis (40/67, 60%), respectively. Seven subjects (10%) sustained open globe injuries, three (4%) of whom required enucleation. Eighteen subjects (27%) required medical treatment, and 4 subjects (6%) required surgical treatment for increased intraocular pressure. A total of 21 subjects (31%) required some form of surgical intervention. Mean final visual acuity was 20/60, with an average follow-up of 34 weeks. Conclusions This series, the largest to date, demonstrates a wide spectrum of serious ocular injuries related to bungee cord use. Medical and surgical treatments are commonly necessary to manage these injuries. We advocate a modification in the design of these cords and appropriate printed warnings directed to the users of bungee cords regarding the potential for severe ocular trauma.
Osteoblast biocompatibility of premineralized, hexamethylene-1,6-diaminocarboxysulfonate crosslinked chitosan fibers.

Biopolymer–ceramic composites are thought to be particularly promising materials for bone tissue engineering as they more closely mimic natural bone. Here, we demonstrate the fabrication by electrospinning of fibrous chitosan-hydroxyapatite composite scaffolds with low (1 wt %) and high (10 wt %) mineral contents. Scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and unidirectional tensile testing were performed to determine fiber surface morphology, elemental composition, and tensile Young's modulus (E) and ultimate tensile strength (σUTS), respectively. EDS scans of the scaffolds indicated that the fibers, crosslinked with either hexamethylene-1,6-diaminocarboxysulfonate (HDACS) or genipin, have a crystalline hydroxyapatite mineral content at 10 wt % additive. Moreover, FESEM micrographs showed that all electrospun fibers have diameters (122–249 nm), which fall within the range of those of fibrous collagen found in the extracellular matrix of bone. Young's modulus and ultimate tensile strength of the various crosslinked composite compositions were in the range of 116–329 MPa and 2–15 MPa, respectively. Osteocytes seeded onto the mineralized fibers were able to demonstrate good biocompatibility enhancing the potential use for this material in future bone tissue engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3201–3211, 2015.
Preoperative predictors of returning to work following primary total knee arthroplasty.

There is little in the literature to guide clinicians in advising patients regarding their return to work following a primary total knee arthroplasty. In this study, we aimed to identify which factors are important in estimating a patient’s time to return to work following primary total knee arthroplasty, how long patients can anticipate being off from work, and the types of jobs to which patients are able to return following primary total knee arthroplasty. A prospective cohort study was performed in which patients scheduled for a primary total knee arthroplasty completed a validated questionnaire preoperatively and at four to six weeks, three months, and six months postoperatively. The questionnaire assessed the patient’s occupational physical demands, ability to perform job responsibilities, physical status, and motivation to return to work as well as factors that may impact his or her recovery and other workplace characteristics. Two survival analysis models were constructed to evaluate the time to return to work either at least part-time or full-time. Acceleration factors were calculated to indicate the relative percentage of time until the patient returned to work. The median time to return to work was 8.9 weeks. Patients who reported a sense of urgency about returning to work were found to return in half the time taken by other employees (acceleration factor = 0.468; p < 0.001). Other preoperative factors associated with a faster return to work included being female (acceleration factor = 0.783), self-employment (acceleration factor = 0.792), higher mental health scores (acceleration factor = 0.891), higher physical function scores (acceleration factor = 0.809), higher Functional Comorbidity Index scores (acceleration factor = 0.914), and a handicap accessible workplace (acceleration factor = 0.736). A slower return to work was associated with having less pain preoperatively (acceleration factor = 1.132), having a more physically demanding job (acceleration factor = 1.116), and receiving Workers’ Compensation (acceleration factor = 4.360). Although the physical demands of a patient’s job have a moderate influence on the patient’s ability to return to work following a primary total knee arthroplasty, the patient’s characteristics, particularly motivation, play a more important role. Prognostic Level I. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Comparisons Between Hispanic and Non-Hispanic White Informal Caregivers

This study focuses on understanding similarities and differences between non-Hispanic White and Hispanic informal caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease. Comparisons take place between caregivers reporting high levels of burden as indicated by the Zarit Burden Inventory. Data suggest similarities and differences between Hispanic (n = 17) and non-Hispanic White (n = 17) caregivers in this study in several areas. Hispanic caregivers indicated fewer sources of income, had less investment money for family member’s treatment, reported caregiving as a greater interference with life’s accomplishments, and indicated a lesser percentage of the total care cost provided by the family member. Non-Hispanic White caregivers reported having completed a higher level of formal education and that organized religion’s importance prior to becoming a caregiver was not quite as important as compared with the Hispanic care provider. With current trends, of demographic and cultural changes, it is crucial to fully understan...
Quality Comparison of Thermoprocessed Fishery Products in Cans and Retortable Pouches

The physical, chemical and sensory properties of rainbow trout, pollock and shrimp processed at equal lethalities in cans and retortable pouches were compared at certain storage periods. Pouched rainbow trout, pollock and shrimp required respectively 34%, 32% and 37% less thermal processing time than the canned product. The pouched products had lower amounts of ammonia, trimethylamine and total carbonyl compounds than the canned products. The pouched products retained 17%, 9% and 15% more Vitamin B1 than the canned products for rainbow trout, pollock and shrimp, respectively. Pouched products had a firmer texture and lighter color than the canned products. In sensory evaluations, the pouched products were scored higher, in most cases, for color, flavor and overall acceptability.