cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enkephalin analogs: synthesis and properties of analogs with lipophilic or extended carboxyl-terminus. Quantitative structure-activity relationship of analogs modified in residue position 5

Four analogs of enkephalin (EK) have been synthesized by the solid-phase method and their biological activities have also been investigated. All four analogs were less active than Met-enkephalin (Met-EK) as shown by relative potencies in the guinea pig ileum (GPI) assay: Met-EK, 100; [Phe5]-EK-NH2, 59; [Trp5]-EK-NH2, 11; Met-EK-Cys(Cam)-OH, 37; and N, N'-bis(Met-EK)-cystine, 34. Two of the analogs were more potent than Met-EK as shown by relative potencies in the mouse tail-flick assay for analgesia: Met-EK, 100; [Phe5]-EK-NH2, 1340; [Trp5]-EK-NH2, 1640. Quantitative structure-activity relationship calculations were carried out for GPI potencies of analogs substituted in position 5. The calculation indicated that, in this position, the bulkiness had the main influence.
An update on oxidant trends in the South Coast Air Basin of California

Abstract The trends in oxidant air quality in the South Coast Air Basin of California are of great interest because of the high oxidant levels in the region. In this work, we have updated the trends for daily peak oxidant levels in the entire Basin and at two sites, Azusa and San Bernardino. Since the daily oxidant levels are highly dependent on the local meteorology, we have determined trends under fixed meteorological conditions. We previously applied this approach to data from the 1971 to 1979 period. In the present work, we found that, for the 1971–1981 period, the oxidant trends basinwide and in Azusa are downward while the trend in San Bernardino is flat. An additional finding of this study is that in recent years the basinwide daily peak oxidant concentration has been occurring in San Bernardino with increasing frequency. The overall decrease in and eastward movement of the basinwide maxima are discussed in relation to the trends in the emissions of reactive hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides over the time period as well as the predictions of smog chamber experiments.
John Dewey, Art and Public Life

This article explores, criticizes, and extends John Dewey's arguments about art in relation to public life in a democracy. Dewey believed that art is a potent form of communication through which community is developed and political action undertaken. Although correct, Dewey erased conflict, negotiation, and contestation from art, and failed to address the crucial role of power in the world of art. Three distinct kinds of political action through art are developed: pragmatic, deliberative, and confrontational.
Myofascial pain and pelvic floor dysfunction in patients with interstitial cystitis

Introduction and hypothesis The objectives of this study are to investigate myofascial pain in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) and to correlate myofascial exam findings with validated questionnaires.
A situational analysis of adolescent smoking

Forty-four adolescent smokers self-monitored their smoking for 1 week. For 4 hr each day subjects recorded the person, place, and activity associated with each cigarette smoked. Seventy-one percent of all cigarettes were smoked in the presence of another person. Roughly half of those cigarettes were smoked with peers. A surprising amount of smoking occurred in the subject's own home, suggesting that the smoking of the subjects is accepted, if not condoned, by their parents. The data generally confirm the social nature of adolescent smoking.
Introducing perpetual analytics

Common strategies to liberate an organization's information assets for situational awareness frequently rely on infrastructure components such as data integration, enterprise search, federation, data warehousing, and so on. And while these traditional platforms enable analysts to get better and faster answers to their queries, the next big advance will change this paradigm. Users cannot be expected to formulate and ask every smart question every day. And to escape this impractical and un-scalable model, the new paradigm will involve technologies where "the data finds the data" and "relevance finds the user." Perpetual Analytics describes a class of application whereby enterprise context is assembled, in real-time, on data streams as fast as operational systems record observations. Context construction is a "data finds the data" activity which enables events of interest to be streamed to subscribers. In this talk, I will talk at some depth about the dynamics of such systems including scalability and sustainability.
Manganese critical levels for soybean growth and physiological processes

Abstract The influence of Mn nutrition on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) dry matter production and physiological processes was determined on plants grown in the greenhouse. Manganese critical deficiency levels for dry matter production under greenhouse conditions were compared to the critical deficiency levels for seed yield under field conditions. The critical deficiency and toxicity levels for dry matter production were developed by relating the blade Mn concentration in recently matured blades to the total dry matter of plants provided with added Mn to produce a growth range from severe deficiency through normal to severe toxicity. The Mn critical deficiency and toxicity levels are defined as the Mn concentration in blades associated with a 10% reduction in dry matter production due to deficiency or toxicity, respectively. The Mn critical levels for dry matter production in ‘Bragg’ soybean were determined as 10 and 160 μg/g in recently matured blades for the deficiency and toxicity levels, respective...
Use Of Matrix Isolation Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) In Gas Chromatographic Detection

AbstractEarlier work in this laboratory' has shown matrix isolation Fourier transform infraredspectrometry (MI FTIR) to possess several advantages over conventional sampling techniquesfor the qualitative analysis of complex samples. The ability to obtain very sharp spectrausing MI makes it possible to distinguish between very similar compounds, including isomers,present in a sample.Instrumentation to couple capillary column gas chromatography (GC) to MI FTIR has beendeveloped as an alternative to on- the -fly gas -phase GC FTIR measurements. This techniqueallows leisurely study of chromatographic fractions at medium resolution (1 cm-1). A gold - plated disk is cooled to 15K with a closed -cycle helium refrigerator and used to collectcompounds eluting from the GC. Nitrogen is used as both GC carrier gas and matrix material.Beam condensing optics and KRS -5 rods are used to reflect the IR beam from the individualsample deposition surfaces.IntroductionConsiderable interest has developed recently in the use of FTII spectrometry for detec-tion in gas chromatography (GC), as reviewed by Erickson.2 At least two commercial GC -FTIRsystems are available which yield gas phase on- the -fly or vapor phase stopped -flow spectra.A major drawback of the on- the -fly systems is the limited resolution (ca. 4 cm-1) andnumber of FTIR scans (ca. 4) possible in the short time GC effluent is in the beam of thespectrometer. Use of stopped -flow systems results in better spectra, but the chromatographicresolution may be severely degraded if the gas flow is stopped, and other compounds elutingmay be lost if a bypass is used. These experimental limitations result in a practicalrequirement to use sensitive, cooled IR detectors to obtain detection limits of about 100 ngper component.2Matrix isolation is most commonly used as a means of trapping unstable or reactivespecies in order to study them in a leisurely fashion. For a sample which is liquid orsolid at room temperature, matrix isolation involves vaporizing the sample. Accordingly,matrix isolation should be directly applicable to detection in gas chromatography, particu-larly if the same substance is used both as the GC carrier gas and the matrix gas.
Regulation of cytosolic pH in bovine parathyroid cells: effect of fluoride.

In the present investigation, sodium fluoride (NaF) was employed to explore the role of guanine nucleotidebinding proteins (G-proteins), protein kinase-C, or cytosolic calcium ([Ca]i) in the regulation of cytosolic pH ([pH]i) in dispersed bovine parathyroid cells, using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye BCECF. When cells acidified by nigericin in Nafree medium were resuspended in Na-containing buffer, [pH]i returned to basal levels. This recovery was blocked by continued removal of Na+ or the addition of amiloride. NaF (10 mM) increased [32P]phosphate incorporation into phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate, suggesting an increase in phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate turnover. NaF caused an initial acidification, followed by an alkaline recovery in a dose-dependent manner (1–10 mM). Amiloride blocked the NaF-induced alkaline recovery. The protein kinase-C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (10-7 M) caused cytosolic alkalinization, while the protein kinase- C inhibitor H7 (6 × 10-5 M) significantly inhib...
Hydride precipitation in Nb and some properties of NbH

Abstract The precipitation of the niobium β-phase hydride from the solid solution has been studied using a variety of techniques including T.E.M., S.E.M., internal friction, and resistivity methods. It was shown that the morphology of the β-phase depended on the cooling rate and on the degree of under cooling. The “equilibrium” morphology was β plates on the {100} c , with the size of the plates being dependent on the cooling rate. “Rapid” cooling caused a transition to a massive form of the hydride whilst precipitation on large undercooling resulted in a “dendritic” morphology. The approximately 12% volume change which accompanies the hydride precipitation resulted in plastic deformation of the matrix. T.E.M. studies of the hydride precipitates showed both interfacial dislocations and prismatic loops. The elastic and plastic accommodation of the volume change had a major effect on the equilibrium between the β- and α-phases. This was studied using resistivity measurements. During the first cooling cycle, the α-β solvus temperature was significantly lower than on subsequent cooling after reversion of the precipitated β-phase. On each cooling cycle, the β-phase precipitated at the positions at which the β-phase had previously formed. Reversion of the β-phase on heating required elastic and plastic accommodation of a sign opposite to that observed on cooling. These accommodation terms resulted in a large thermal hysteresis, of the order of 100 K. The magnitude of these accommodation terms and the effects of external stress on these terms have been calculated. Experimental observations of the stress effects on β-phase precipitation have been carried out. Hydride can be formed at temperatures above the stress-free solvus by the application of elastic tensile stresses. Plastic deformation prior to hydride precipitation has little effect. However, deformation during precipitation has a major effect on the formation of the hydride, the solvus temperature being raised and the hydride forming preferentially along slip bands. These effects will be related to the volume accommodation terms. The properties of the β-phase have been studied using single crystals. As previously reported, these contain “domains” which are twin-related and have the {100} c and {110} c as the twin and boundary planes. These domains are highly mobile under external stresses, as expected from the twin relationship. The mobility is, however, expected to be temperature dependent as it is determined by the redistribution of the hydrogen among the interstitial tetrahedral sites. The β crystals are extremely brittle and fail by cleavage along the {100} c and {110} c planes.
Psychological Factors Affecting Physical Condition: Cardiovascular Disease Literature Review

A subcommittee of the American Psychiatric Association's Psychiatric Systems Interface Disorders Work Group was charged with examining the diagnostic category, Psychological Factors Affecting Physical Condition, for possible revision in the DSM-IV. As members of this subcommittee, we conducted a literature review to better characterize the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between psychological factors and cardiovascular disease. This review, divided into two parts, focuses on three problems: coronary artery disease, sudden death, and hypertension. For each of these cardiovascular disorders, we describe models for understanding the relationship of psychological factors to the disorder, review the results of relevant research studies, and provide recommendations for further research.
A comprehensive mental health care system for prison inmates: retrospective look at New York's ten year experience.

During the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the number of inmates in our nation’s prisons. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (1986), in the 5-year period between 1980 and 1985 alone the number of inmates in all state and federal prisons climbed by 52.7%. Nowhere has prison growth been more acutely experienced than in New York, where the State prison population has exploded from 19,352 inmates in 1977 to 40,842 in 1987, an increase of 111% (Donnelly, 1988). Overlapping the prison growth phenomenon in New York has been the significant decline in inpatient census of New York’s mental health system from an all time high of 93,3 14 in 1955 (New York State Office of Mental Health, 1987) to less than 20,000 in 1988 (the lowest level in the past 80 years). There are many who believe that a relationship exists between the decline in the census of one institutional system and the rise in another. This belief is especially seductive for many prison administrators in New York who have witnessed with increasing concern the marked growth in the number of mentally ill inmates in the State prison system during the past decade. While there is not direct empirical evidence that there are proportionately more mentally ill inmates in New York’s prisons in 1987 than there were in 1977, there is little disagreement that as the prison census has climbed, so has the overall number of mentally ill prisoners. A recent study of the prevalence of such inmates in New York’s prisons (Steadman, Fabisiak, Dvoskin, & Holohean, 1987) confirmed what most prison administrators and forensic mental health workers already suspected, namely that the number of mentally ill prisoners has increased in absolute terms to an unprecedented level. This study revealed that in May, 1986, 5 % of the inmate population (N= 1854) were severely psychiatrically disabled, clinically resembling state psychiatric center acute inpatients; and another 10% (N=3627) were significantly psychiatrically disabled, clinically resembling patients in crisis beds in the community. Not surprisingly, prison census growth in New York has been accompanied by a heightened sensitivity to the systemic problems engendered by mentally ill prisoners.
Echocardiographic Evaluation of the TGR(mRen2)27 Transgenic Rat Reveals Severe Ventricular Hypertrophy and Pericardial Effusion

Echocardiographic Evaluation of the TGR(mRen2)27 Transgenic Rat Reveals Severe Ventricular Hypertrophy and Pericardial Effusion
Who is driving biotechnology acceptance

Incentives and strategies of key players in the global food industry may be driving public acceptance of agrobiotechnology as much as consumer attitudes.
Human δ-aminolevulinate synthase: Assignment of the housekeeping gene to 3p21 and the erythroid-specific gene to the X chromosome

Abstract δ-Aminolevulinate synthase (ALAS) catalyzes the first committed step of heme biosynthesis. Previous studies suggested that there were erythroid and non-erythroid ALAS isozymes. We have isolated cDNAs encoding the ubiquitously expressed housekeeping ALAS isozyme and a related, but distinct, erythroid-specific isozyme. Using these different cDNAs, the human ALAS housekeeping gene (ALAS1) and the human erythroid-specific (ALAS2) gene have been localized to chromosomes 3p21 and X, respectively, by somatic cell hybrid and in situ hybridization techniques. The ALAS1 gene was concordant with chromosome 3 in all 26 human fibroblast/murine(RAG) somatic cell hybrid clones analyzed and was discordant with all other chromosomes in at least 6 of 26 clones. The regional localization of ALAS1 to 3p21 was accomplished by in situ hybridization using the 125 I-labeled human ALAS1 cDNA. Of the 43 grains observed over chromosome 3, 63% were localized to the region 3p21. The gene encoding ALAS2 was assigned by examination of a DNA panel of 30 somatic cell hybrid lines hybridized with the ALAS2 cDNA. The ALAS2 gene segregated with the human X chromosome in all 30 hybrid cell lines analyzed and was discordant with all other chromosomes in at least 8 of the 30 hybrids. These results confirm the existence of two independent, but related, genes encoding human ALAS. Furthermore, the mapping of the ALAS2 gene to the X chromosome and the observed reduction in ALAS activity in X-linked sideroblastic anemia suggest that this disorder may be due to a mutation in the erythroid-specific gene.
Trance logic in tranceable and simulating subjects.

Abstract Double hallucination and transparency of hallucination as criteria of trance logic were investigated among 18 highly tranceable and 17 simulsting Ss. While no statiSticaUy macant difFerences were found between these 2 group on these 2 dimensions of trance logic, there were suggestions in the data which supported the trancelogic phenomenon. 3 spontaneous reports of tqwparency of the positive hallucination were made by tranceables, while none occurred in the simulating group. These reports were consistent with the observations made by h e (1959) in the original publication on trance logic. Methodological issues in asessing the uniqueness of the hypnotic state were discussed, and suggestions were made to improve future investigations of the problem.
An efficient chemical shift imaging scheme for magnetic resonance-guided neurosurgery.

An efficient magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) or chemical shift imaging (CSI) technique based on multiple spin echoes (MSE) has been implemented, validated, and used in both phantom and in vivo MR-guided neurosurgical applications. The key concept of the method is to employ MSE to significantly speed up the data collection rate for mapping hydrogen-containing metabolites. Using an echo train length (ETL) of three per excitation to simultaneously fill three consecutive k-space areas, the total scan time for a spectroscopic image matrix size of 32 × 32 has been shortened to approximately 11 minutes. An interecho spacing time of 273 msec was used to null the phase anomalies of lactate double peaks due to the J-coupling. This allowed a sufficient long data sampling time to achieve 4 Hz spectral resolution. Performing CSI intraopertively during an MR-guided neurosurgical procedure was shown to be feasible at 1.5 T. More importantly, it was shown that more relevant information can be obtained regarding neurochemistry about a targeted lesion, in addition to conventional MR morphological imaging noninvasively. In 25 MR-guided neurosurgical cases, the alleviated choline signal has been found to be consistent with the existence of rapid tumor cell proliferation in the corresponding area. The actual neurobiopsy guided by the spectroscopic imaging method demonstrated that it could provide valuable information in specifying the optimal site in a biopsy procedure, especially in the case involving a nonenhancing tumor. The multiecho scheme has made the CSI technique efficient enough to be routinely used in MR-guided surgical procedures at 1.5 T and also allows the possibility of taking full advantage of MRI capability. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2001;14:1–7. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Esophageal stents for anastomotic leaks and perforations

Objective Intrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leaks and perforations are very morbid and challenging problems. Esophageal stents are increasingly playing an integral role in the management of these patients. Our objective was to report our experience with esophageal stent placement for anastomotic leaks and perforations and to provide a treatment algorithm. Methods We performed a review of patients with stent placement for esophagogastric anastomotic leaks or esophageal perforation from March 2005 to August 2009. A prospective database was used to collect data. Success was defined as endoscopic defect closure, negative esophagram, and resumption of oral intake. Failure was defined as no change in leak size or clinical signs of ongoing infection. We collected and analyzed patient demographics, diagnosis, clinical history, and poststent outcomes using descriptive statistics. Results Thirty-seven patients underwent esophageal stent placement for anastomotic leaks (n = 22) and perforations (n = 15). The median time from original procedure to diagnosis of leak or perforation was 6 days (0–420 days). Nineteen patients (51%) had 21 associated procedures for source control. We placed 94 stents (mean = 2.7 stents/patient); 16 patients (43%) required more than 1 stenting procedure (mean = 1.8 procedures/patient). The median time to restoration of esophageal integrity was 33 days (7–120 days). There were 22 successes (59%); 2 failures were secondary to undrained abscess. Only 2 failures occurred in the last 15 patients (88% success). Strictures did not develop in any patients. Serious complications occurred in 3 patients (stent erosion, leak enlargement, fatal gastroaortic fistula). Conclusions Esophageal stents can potentially play an integral role in the management of anastomotic leaks and perforations. Success depends on appropriate procedures for source control and surgeon experience.
Microchip Separations in Reduced-Gravity and Hypergravity Environments

Microfabricated fluidics technology, e.g., lab-on-a-chip devices, offers many attractive features for performing chemistry and biochemistry on space-based platforms. We have constructed a portable, battery-operated microfluidic platform that was tested under reduced gravity and hypergravity conditions that would be experienced in space flight and launch. This device consisted of a microchip, microchip holder, two 0−8-kV high-voltage power supplies, a high-voltage switch, a solid-state diode-pumped green laser, an optical train, a channel photomultiplier, and an inertial mass measurement unit all under the control of a laptop computer and powered by 10 D-cell alkaline batteries. The unit was tested on NASA's reduced gravity research aircraft at gravity levels that are relevant to NASA's intended use of bioreporter-based microchips for environmental monitoring of space and planetary environments on manned and unmanned spacecraft. Over the course of two flights, 834 fast electrophoretic separations of four a...
Chairman's corner

This is one of the most important times of the year for you as an IEEE student member — the time of the year when your Branch is selecting its officers. Since you want to obtain maximum benefit from your membership, and the officers that you choose will significantly affect the success of your Branch, it is critical that you select them carefully. Too many Branches make the mistake of selecting officers in a very haphazard way. Quite often, in fact, someone who isn't even in attendance at the election meeting is elected as chairperson of the organization.
RNA-Seq unleashed

A transcriptome can be readily assembled from RNA-Seq data in the absence of a reference genome.
Dinucleotides Incorporating Isomeric Nucleosides: Synthesis, Structural and Stereochemical Characterization, and Enzymology

Abstract The synthesis, stability toward nucleases, and conformational properties of 3′→5′ and 5′→5′ dinucleotides bearing an isomeric nucleoside component is described.
Approximating Linear Programs with Summary Functions: Pseudodata with an Infinite Sample

A new algorithm for summarizing linear program models that takes advantage of the nature of linear program responses is presented. This method is equivalent to the pseudodata method based on an infinite sample. The power of the new method lies in the fact that the sampling procedure is sequential; the location of the next sample point is determined by observations at previous sample points. An illustration is provided, and the proposed method is compared with pseudodata based on out-of-sample predictions. The comparison indicates the new method is a distinct improvement.
LAGUERRE SCHEME : ANOTHER MEMBER FOR PROPAGATING THE TIME-DEPENDENT SCHRODINGER EQUATION

A global propagation scheme for the time-dependent Schr\"odinger equation is proposed on the basis of the generating function of the Hermite polynomial for expansion of the evolution operator ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}i\ifmmode \hat{H}\else \^{H}\fi{}t}.$ Theoretical analysis and numerical tests have shown that the present scheme is an equivalent to the Chebyshev scheme with two extra advantages.
Use of sonography in diagnosing acute appendicitis: Comparison of a teaching hospital and a community hospital

Rationale and Objectives. We examined patterns of use of sonography in the workup of appendicitis at two hospitals: a 715-bed university-affiliated teaching hospital and a 240-bed nonteaching hospital. In light of increasing, concern over the use of health care dollars, we wanted to determine whether the use of sonography in the workup of appendicitis would be more frequent at a teaching than at a nonteaching hospital. Methods. We examined all cases of appendicitis seen in the emergency room of the teaching hospital in 1993 and all cases of appendicitis seen in the emergency room of the nonteaching hospital in 1992–1993. Exclusionary criteria included pregnancy, altered mental status, or multiple discharge diagnoses. The diagnosis of appendicitis was verified by pathology reports. Results. At the teaching hospital, the use of sonography was 38.5% (65 of 169); at the nonteaching hospital, sonography usage was 39.4% (61 of 155). Conclusion. There appears to be no significant difference between teaching and nonteaching hospitals in the frequency of use of sonography in diagnosing patients with appendicitis.
Effects of harmonic sources on customer loads

Abstract This paper provides practical guidelines that would help power system engineers analyze certain harmonic related problems heuristically. The interaction between a given harmonic source and any other harmonic source(s) on line is studied. Two important factors pertaining to the injected harmonic currents, harmonic order and phase, are considered in the evaluation of the effects of one harmonic load on another. A harmonic load flow program based on the bus admittance matrix method was developed for purposes of this study. While this study suggests the use of a quantitative metric, the real power P , to correctly determine the effects of one customer on another, it is obvious that a study like this has immediate applications which include the design of power factor correction schemes, filter design and power system planning.
The evolution of hydrogen-helium stars.

Investigation of the premain sequence evolution and the main sequence evolution of stars of 5, 10, 20, 30, 100, and 200 solar masses. Normal stars in this entire mass range normally convert hydrogen into helium by the CN-cycle on the main sequence. The present hydrogen-helium stars of 5 and 10 solar masses must reach higher central temperatures in order to convert hydrogen to helium by the proton-proton chains. Consequently, the mean densities in the stars are greater, and the surface temperatures are higher than in normal stars. In the stars of 20 solar masses and larger, the proton-proton chains do not succeed in supplying the necessary luminosity of the stars by the time the contraction has produced a central temperature near 10 to the 8th K. At that point triple-alpha reactions generate small amounts of C12, which then acts as a catalyst in the CN-cycle, the rate of which is then limited by the beta-decays occurring within the cycle. During the evolution of these more massive stars, the central temperature remains in the vicinity of 10 to the 8th K, and the surface temperature on the main sequence approaches 100,000.
Ultrastructural identification of physiologically recorded neurons in the cat cerebellum

Abstract Neurons from the cerebellar cortex of cats were examined in electron microscopic preparations after intracellular recording and pressure injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Neurons that contained HRP reaction product within dendrites were identified as either Purkinje or Golgi II cells. This identification was based on specific ultrastructural criteria that included the presence of synapses on the surfaces of dendritic shafts or spines, the identification of the presynaptic component of these synapses, and the presence of certain visible intracellular organelles. In addition, we examined specimens that contained two types of labeled dendrites after a single HRP injection. These dendrites were identified as arising from Purkinje and Golgi II cells and were shown to interdigitate with each other in a dendritic glomerulus. Dendritic appendages or sheet-like spines emanated from the Purkinje cell dendrite and sent small finger-like protrusions that surrounded and invaginated the Golgi II cell dendrite. In this glomerulus, the dendrites were shown to approach each other, and preliminary results suggest the presence of a gap junction at this site of direct apposition. This finding supports physiologic data which suggest electrical coupling between Purkinje and Golgi II cells. In addition, the results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of combining intracellular electrophysiology with HRP staining for the ultrastructural identification of recorded neurons.
Action of D-600 on spontaneous and electrically stimulated activity of the parturient rat uterus.

The effects of D-600, the methoxy derivative of verapamil, on the parturient rat uterus have been studied. At concentrations of 10−8 to 10−7 M, D-600 abolishes spontaneous contractions and reduces the force of electrically evoked contractions. The first action is assicoated with a reduction in amplitude of the slow waves (oscillations of membrane potential which underlie rhythmic bursts of spikes initiating contractions). The second is associated with a reduction in frequency of spikes within the bursts accompanying the electrically stimulated contractions. This reduction results from a decrease in the slope of the prepotential in cells in pacemaker areas of the muscle. D-600 also decreased the height and rising velocity of the conducted action potentials, but these actions cannot account entirely for the reduction in contractile force.
The dancers of bulandibhag: East-west transactions

In 1922-23, the Patna Museum conducted archaeological excavations at Bulandibagh (Akhtar 2001: xii), a section of ancient Pataliputra?or modem-day Patna?and the site of the capital of the ancient Mauryan dynasty (ca. 327-180 BCE). The excavators unearthed a number of terracotta figurines, including several charming dancing females, a few male figures and heads of smiling children, both male and female. The figures all were produced in a lively style with softly rounded faces cast from molds, a technology seemingly new to the Indian Subcontinent. The figurines in fact are so startlingly different from the hand-formed figurines with appliqu? details of preceding periods that they have provoked important questions, some of which have been debated by specialists for decades. The advent in India of the advanced mold technology and realistic style of the figures continues to elicit many questions. Such inquiries relate to the theme and content of Thomas McEviliey's valuable discourse concerning the nature, depth, and breadth of Greek and Indian interactions and particularly to the centuries subsequent to the wake of Alexander's short-lived invasion of the Indus region. Putting aside momentarily the formal aspects of the figurines, the Bulandibhag dancers with their elegant costumes and elusive smiles bring to mind other questions far more difficult to address, especially concerning the significance of the works to their creators and the greater audience of the urbane culture of Pataliputra. This paper, although posing far more questions than answers, tentatively teases out from the fragmentary evidence some ideas correlating the works with women living in the cosmopolitan centers of the Mauryan dynasty and their religious activities.
How Christianly is Christian Distance Higher Education

The study reported in this paper investigated sense of community and perceived learning in on-campus and online courses at both a Christian university and a state university using a population of graduate students (N = 350). Results suggest that the Christian ethos, with its influence on all facets of university life, manifests itself in stronger online as well as on-campus sense of community among students at the Christian university. However, this added community capital does not result in greater perceived learning among students at the Christian university in either on-campus or online courses. Additionally, participants in on-campus courses felt stronger sense of community and greater perceived learning than their online peers at both universities, exposing both a community gap and a perceived learning gap in courses delivered at a distance. The community gap manifests itself mostly in the social dimension of community, which consists of feelings pertaining to community spirit, cohesion, trust, safet...
Current Status of Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting

Carotid endarterectomy is the gold-standard treatment for stroke risk reduction in selected patient populations with significant carotid stenosis. Despite the lack of definitive evidence, carotid artery stenting is rapidly emerging as the minimally invasive alternative to carotid endarterectomy. Carotid artery stenting is growing at a yearly rate of 20%. Among the physicians performing this procedure, vascular surgeons are the minority. We describe the evolution of the technique of carotid artery stenting, including the development of cerebral protection devices. The results of retrospective series of carotid artery stenting with protection devices are presented. A review of the ongoing registries and trials evaluating carotid artery stenting is provided. Current indications for carotid artery stenting and a proposed algorithm for the management of carotid stenosis are suggested..
Studies of Inclusive Hadron Production at BABAR

The clean environment of the e+e- collisions provided by the B-factory PEP-II and the high performances of the BABAR detector allow for precise measurements of the properties of inclusive hadron production. We present recent results obtained using the full data sample of nearly 500 fb-1 on measurements of the inclusive light hadrons momentum spectra, and on anti-deuteron production from decays of bottomonium states, and from continuum e+e- annihilation. We also present a measurement of the azimuthal asymmetries induced by the Collins effect in inclusive production of pion pairs in e+e- → ππX annihilation, where the two pions are produced in opposite hemispheres.
Permafrost microbial community traits and functional diversity indicate low activity at in situ thaw temperatures

Abstract Previously-frozen stores of organic carbon (C) are now subject to decomposition due to a warming Arctic climate and associated permafrost thaw; however, estimates of the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) that may be released are not well constrained. Knowing more about the functions of the extant permafrost microbial community will inform this knowledge gap. The exploration of microbial functional traits may be useful to elucidate the relationship between microbial diversity and ecosystem function. We characterized the community traits and functional diversity of the bacterial and Archaeal component of the microbial community from three depths of permafrost, as well as the organic and mineral horizons of the seasonally-thawed active layer, by assessing ‘substrate-use richness,’ ‘substrate preference,’ ‘growth rate,’ ‘and substrate specific growth rate.’ We measured the microbial community response to 31 substrates with an EcoPlate (Biolog, Inc.) assay at three incubation temperatures (1, 10, and 20 °C) using a kinetic approach, and modeled the microbial response to each substrate with a modified logistic growth function. We hypothesized that the permafrost communities would be selected for high functional potential and activity at cold temperatures. Rather, we found that the permafrost community did not have a higher functional diversity or activity at 1 °C than the organic active layer soils. In addition, permafrost communities increased their growth rates with increasing temperature, indicating that the highest incubation temperature (20 °C) was below their temperature optimum for growth. As predicted, the permafrost communities did exhibit temperature dependent substrate preferences. Thus, permafrost microbial communities did not appear to be selected for higher metabolism and the ability to use a broad suite of substrates at low temperatures, which suggests that they may have limited function immediately following thaw when temperatures are near 0 °C. However, changes in community composition or additional permafrost warming will increase the functional capabilities of permafrost microbes to decompose the C stored in those soils.
Acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption and food allergy.

Background Acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption (AE) is a distinct rash associated with profound zinc deficiency. It is seen in a variety of conditions but has not been reported as a presentation of food allergy. Objective To report AE as an unusual presentation of food allergy in infants. Methods Acrodermatitis enteropathica-like eruption was diagnosed by a characteristic rash and a low serum zinc level. The diagnosis of food allergy was made by history, serum total IgE and food specific IgE levels, or oral challenge with suspected foods. Results Two infants with AE, diarrhea, and low serum zinc levels were evaluated. Food allergy was found in both infants. The first infant had a serum IgE level of 4,642 IU/mL. Specific IgE levels to milk, soybean, wheat, and peanut were 39.04, 10.14, 5.65, and 102.61 kU/L, respectively. Oral challenges to milk and peanut were positive and to soybean were negative. The second infant had a serum IgE level of 991 IU/mL; specific IgE levels to soybean and milk were 36.9 and 0.53 kU/L, respectively. Evaluation for other possible causes of diarrhea revealed homozygous delta F508 in the first infant, confirming the coexistence of cystic fibrosis; findings in the second infant were negative. Conclusions Undiagnosed food allergy can lead to profound zinc deficiency. Food allergy should be suspected in a child with acquired AE.
Increased vascular resistance due to a reduction in red cell deformability in the isolated hind limb of swine

This study investigated whether red cells with reduced deformability impeded flow through the microcirculation. Red cells were made less deformable in their normal biconcave disc shape by incubation with 2% formaldehyde (fRBCs). The blood supply to the right hind limb was isolated in 26 swine and the femoral artery was instrumented with two fine catheters, a flow probe, and an inflatable occluder. Flow was measured over a range of different perfusion pressures during adenosine-induced vasodilation under control conditions (C) and during an infusion of fRBCs at 1 ml/kg per minute (not to exceed 20 ml) into the femoral artery. At the same perfusion pressure (P), flow was significantly reduced 5 min after the fRBC infusion: Flow at P = 20 mm Hg, C = 41 ml/min vs fRBC = 10 ml/min; at P = 40, C = 160 ml/min vs fRBC = 79 ml/min; and at P = 60, C = 278 ml/min vs fRBC = 147 ml/min, with P less than 0.02 for all comparisons. Flow was still significantly reduced 15 min after the fRBCs, but by 30 min, it had returned to the control value. Chromium-51-labeling of red cells revealed that about one-third of fRBCs was trapped in the microcirculation compared to less than 3% of normal cells. This reduction in flow with fRBC infusion was not altered by alpha blockade, indicating that adrenergically mediated spasm was not responsible for the reduced flow. Aspirin 35 mg/kg iv completely prevented the reduction in flow despite an absence of change in the percentage of fRBCs trapped. Thus, red cells with reduced deformability infused into the circulation caused a significant, but transient, reduction in flow. The reduction in flow was not primarily related to entrapment of the abnormal RBCs, but may be mediated through platelet aggregation or release of potent vasoconstrictor substances from platelets or endothelial cells.
Oxidation of chlorinated ethenes by heat-activated persulfate : Kinetics and products

In situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) and in situ thermal remediation (ISTR) are applicable to treatment of groundwater contaminated with chlorinated ethenes. ISCO with persulfate (S2O8(2-)) requires activation, and this can be achieved with the heat from ISTR, so there may be advantages to combining these technologies. To explore this possibility, we determined the kinetics and products of chlorinated ethene oxidation with heat-activated persulfate and compared them to the temperature dependence of other degradation pathways. The kinetics of chlorinated ethene disappearance were pseudo-first-order for 1-2 half-lives, and the resulting rate constants-measured from 30 to 70 degrees C--fit the Arrhenius equation, yielding apparent activation energies of 101 +/- 4 kJ mol(-1) for tetrachloroethene (PCE), 108 +/- 3 kJ mol(-1) for trichloroethene (TCE), 144 +/- 5 kJ mol(-1) for cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cis-DCE), and 141 +/- 2 kJ mol(-1) for trans-1,2-dichloroethene (trans-DCE). Chlorinated byproducts were observed, but most of the parent material was completely dechlorinated. Arrhenius parameters for hydrolysis and oxidation by persulfate or permanganate were used to calculate rates of chlorinated ethene degradation by these processes over the range of temperatures relevant to ISTR and the range of oxidant concentrations and pH relevant to ISCO.
An essential role of ubiquitination in Cbl‐mediated negative regulation of the Src‐family kinase Fyn

The Cbl family of ubiquitin ligases function as negative regulators of activated receptor tyrosine kinases by facilitating their ubiquitination and subsequent lysosomal targeting. Here, we have investigated the role of Cbl ubiquitin ligase activity in the negative regulation of a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, the Src-family kinase Fyn. Using primary embryonic fibroblasts from Cbl(+/+) and Cbl(-/-) mice, we demonstrate that endogenous Cbl mediates the ubiquitination of Fyn and dictates the rate of Fyn turnover. By analyzing CHO-TS20 cells with a temperature-sensitive ubiquitin activating enzyme, we demonstrate that intact cellular ubiquitin machinery is required for Cbl-induced degradation of Fyn. Analyses of Cbl mutants, with mutations in or near the RING finger domain, in 293T cells revealed that the ubiquitin ligase activity of Cbl is essential for Cbl-induced degradation of Fyn by the proteasome pathway. Finally, use of a SRE-luciferase reporter demonstrated that Cbl-dependent negative regulation of Fyn function requires the region of Cbl that mediates the ubiquitin ligase activity. Given the conservation of structure between various Src-family kinases and the ability of Cbl to interact with multiple members of this family, Cbl-dependent ubiquitination could serve a general role to negatively regulate activated Src-family kinases.
Medial forebrain bundle axotomy during development induces apoptosis in dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra and activation of caspases in their degenerating axons.

There is growing evidence that programmed cell death may play a role in degenerative neurologic disease. The caspases are a family of cell death proteins that mediate proteolytic cascades in the death process. Although there is clear evidence that caspases play a role in the destruction of the components of the neuronal soma, it has been controversial whether they play a role in the degeneration of axons that accompanies the death of the cell body. It is important to define the molecular mechanisms of axonal degeneration, because terminal degeneration may occur early in neurodegenerative disease. We have therefore investigated whether caspases play a role in axonal degeneration in the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system following axotomy of the median forebrain bundle during development. We find that this lesion induces apoptosis in midbrain dopaminergic neurons at the level of the cell soma. Concomitantly with this induction of apoptosis, degeneration of dopaminergic axons occurs and is characterized by the formation of axonal swellings and spheroids. Immunohistochemical analysis reveals that the activated form of caspase-3 and a caspase cleavage product of beta-actin are abundantly expressed in these degenerating fibers. We conclude that caspases are activated in degenerating dopaminergic axons as the somata undergo programmed cell death in this model. These results raise the possibility that caspase activation may occur in other programmed cell death contexts for these neurons, and, if this is so, then their inhibition may be a useful therapeutic target.
Cheating behavior among students of four Moscow institutes

This paper reports the results of the first survey conducted in Moscow on student cheating behavior in December of 1991. I propose that cheating, like many other forms of deviant behavior, can be explained as rooted in the social structure. I propose a way of combining Merton's structural approach with the learning theory of deviant behavior. Merton's typology of individual adaptation is extended to a case where there is a difference between official and unofficial goals and means. I use the theory of neutralization to understand how students justified cheating in such social conditions. The survey revealed that an overwhelming majority of students cheat, and that students justify cheating by saying that it is the fault of the education system. In addition my results suggest that there was a linkage between the macro structure of Soviet society (including its educational system) and cheating behavior among students. The structure of the Soviet system provided opportunities and motivation to cheat together with the rationale to justify cheating. The changes which were introduced with Perestroika only worsened the situation by blurring the notions of appropriate and deviant behavior in many spheres of life. The implications for the present changes going on in Russia are discussed.
Live-Load Response of a 65-Year-Old Pratt Truss Bridge

AbstractThe Kettle River Bridge is an arched, steel cantilevered deck, Pratt Truss bridge. To quantify the live-load performance of the bridge superstructure and provide a baseline for future comparisons, it was instrumented with 151 strain gauges on various beam, stringer, and truss members. In addition, 8 displacement gauges were attached along the truss. All gauges were simultaneously monitored while the bridge was subjected to a nondestructive, live-load test. The recorded bridge response was analyzed to quantify in situ behavior. The measured behavior was then used to validate a finite-element model using solid and frame elements, which was subsequently used to obtain an inventory- and operating-load rating of 2.03 and 2.64, respectively. Based on the results of the test, it was concluded that the large gusset plates added partial fixity to the truss members, as evident from the significant measured in-plane bending strains. However, the beam-and-stringer deck support system showed minimal rotational...