cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug specificity of pharmacological dystonia.

Three (+)-benzomorphans that bind to sigma receptors produced dystonia in a dose-related manner when microinjected into the red nucleus of rats. Two lines of evidence suggest that these effects were related to the sigma-binding properties of the compounds. First, the behavioral potency of the (+)-benzomorphans and other active sigma compounds correlated highly with their affinities for [3H]1,3-di-o-tolylguanidine-labelled sigma receptors in the rat brain (r = .94). Second, similar intrarubral injections of non-sigma ligands were without effect: various vehicles, a structurally related (+)-opiate with no affinity for sigma receptors, and selective dopaminergic and serotonergic compounds failed to significantly alter the normal posture of rats. The only ligand in this study that binds with high affinity to sigma receptors, but failed to elicit torsional head movements was (+)-[3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-N-(1-propyl)piperidine] [(+)-3PPP], a ligand with mixed activity at sigma and dopamine receptors. Since (+)-3PPP failed to produce an effect on its own and also failed to attenuate the dystonia produced by another sigma ligand (DTG), it may interact with a non-sigma mechanism or with a different sigma receptor type from the other compounds.
On the feasibility of densitometric assessment of cerebral aneurysms

Computer-aided operator-interactive densitometry was used to study the feasibility of quantitating the radiographic images of cerebral aneurysms. Contrast-filled tubings of varying diameter were used to investigate the linearity of the system and to assess the general accuracy and reproducibility of the densitometric method. To study the reproducibility of the technique on aneurysms, a vein pouch aneurysm model was developed in rabbits. Inter- and intra-operator errors were determined by four observers, who performed multiple measurements on various projections of aneurysm images taken both in vitro and in vivo. These errors ranged between 3 and 8% for the in vitro data, and 7 and 22% for the in vivo data. It was found that the current approach that utilizes the linear segment of the film-screen characteristic curve has to be extended to involve the non-linear segment at the 'toe' section of the characteristic curve for future clinical applications.
Phase II study of temozolomide plus pegylated interferon-α-2b for metastatic melanoma†

BACKGROUND Temozolomide and interferon-α-2b (IFN-α-2b) are both active in melanoma. Therefore, the efficacy and safety of temozolomide in combination with pegylated IFN-α-2b in patients with metastatic melanoma without brain metastases was investigated. METHODS Patients with histologically confirmed, unresectable, American Joint Committee on Cancer Stage IV melanoma were enrolled in an open-label, Phase II study. The primary endpoints were tumor response and safety. Patients received temozolomide (75 mg/m2/day × 6 weeks with a 2-week break between cycles) plus concomitant subcutaneous pegylated IFN-α-2b (0.5 μg/kg/wk, continuously). Treatment was continued until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression occurred. RESULTS Thirty-five patients (median age, 55 years) with Stage IV melanoma and a median of 3 metastatic sites were enrolled and received a median of 1 cycle (i.e., 8 weeks) of therapy (range, 0-6 cycles). Eleven patients (31%) (95% confidence interval, 16% to 47%) had an objective tumor response, including 3 with clinical complete response durations of 6 months, 20 months, and 32+ months and 8 with partial responses. Three patients with a partial or mixed response were subsequently rendered free of clinically detectable disease with surgery. The median survival was 12 months with a median follow-up among survivors of 16 months. No patient developed brain metastases while receiving study treatment. Treatment was generally well tolerated. Hematologic toxicity consisted mainly of lymphopenia and leukopenia (National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria Grades 1-3); no Grade 4 hematologic toxicity was observed. CONCLUSIONS The combination of temozolomide plus pegylated IFN-α-2b had antitumor activity and was well tolerated in patients with metastatic melanoma. Therefore, further study is warranted. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Home truths around Jupiter

Physics of the Jovian Magnetosphere. Edited by A.J. Dessler. Cambridge University Press: 1983. Pp.540. £25, $29.50.
Hypogravity-induced atrophy of rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles

Prolonged exposure of humans to hypogravity causes weakening of their skeletal muscles. This problem was studied in rats exposed to hypogravity for 7 days aboard Spacelab 3. Hindlimb muscles were harvested 12-16 hours postflight for histochemical, biochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. The majority of the soleus and extensor digitorum longus fibers exhibited simple cell shrinkage. However, approximately 1% of the fibers in flight soleus muscles appeared necrotic. Flight muscle fibers showed increased glycogen, lower subsarcolemmal staining for mitochondrial enzymes, and fewer subsarcolemmal mitochondria. During atrophy, myofibrils were eroded by multiple focal losses of myofilaments; lysosomal autophagy was not evident. Tripeptidylaminopeptidase and calcium-activated protease activities of flight soleus fibers were significantly increased, implying a role in myofibril breakdown. Simple fiber atrophy appears to account for muscle weakening during spaceflight, but fiber necrosis is also a contributing factor.
Directional Couplers, Hybrids, and MagicTs

The design and construction of coupled line directional couplers are presented. These couplers are realized using edge coupled coplanar waveguides (CPWs) or broadside coupled CPWs. Also discussed are the design and construction of a CPW quadrature (90??) hybrid, a CPW 180?? ring hybrid, and CPW passive and active magic-T circuits.
Infectious urinary tract morbidity with prolonged bladder catheterization after radical hysterectomy.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the incidence of catheter-associated infection after radical hysterectomy and to evaluate the role of prophylactic antibiotics in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: A 4-year retrospective review of 102 women undergoing radical hysterectomy for cervical or endometrial cancer was performed. Clinical data were abstracted and analyzed with χ2 and t tests. RESULTS: Catheter-associated infection was observed in 11% (12 of 102) and was not altered by the administration of prophylactic antibiotics (11.1% vs 11.8%, P = .95). Of the 12 women who had infection, 11 were treated as outpatients, and 1 patient required admission for pyelonephritis. Patient age, comorbid medical conditions, class of radical hysterectomy, perioperative complications, operative time, blood loss, catheter type, duration of catheterization, and length of hospitalization had no effect on the development of catheter-associated infection. CONCLUSION: The incidence of catheter-associated infection in women requiring prolonged catheterization after radical hysterectomy is relatively low. Withholding prophylactic antibiotics from these patients is a reasonable clinical option.
Enhanced L‐type Ca2+ channel current density in coronary smooth muscle of exercise‐trained pigs is compensated to limit myoplasmic free Ca2+ accumulation

Exercise training-induced alterations in vasoreactivity of the coronary vasculature have been well documented (Bove & Dewey, 1985; Laughlin, 1985; Laughlin et al. 1989; DiCarlo et al. 1989; Rogers et al. 1991; Oltman et al. 1992; Bowles et al. 1995; Mombouli et al. 1996) and are generally associated with enhanced dilatation and reduced constriction in response to vasoactive agonists (Laughlin & McAllister, 1992; Parker et al. 1994). In vivo, the coronary circulation of exercise-trained animals exhibits enhanced adenosine-induced vasodilatation (Laughlin, 1985; Laughlin et al. 1989; DiCarlo et al. 1989) and attenuated α-adrenergic vasoconstriction (Bove & Dewey, 1985). Similarly, isolated coronary rings demonstrate increased relaxation to adenosine (Oltman et al. 1992) and diminished vasoconstriction to noradrenaline (norepinephrine) (Oltman et al. 1992) and endothelin (Bowles et al. 1995). Furthermore, simultaneous measurements of developed tension and myoplasmic free Ca2+ in arterial rings isolated from sedentary and exercise-trained pigs indicate that attenuated endothelin-induced contractile responses in exercise-trained animals are associated with reduced myoplasmic free Ca2+ levels (Bowles et al. 1995). In apparent contrast to these vascular adaptations with exercise training, Bowles et al. (1998) recently reported increased VGCC density in coronary smooth muscle cells isolated from exercise-trained vs. sedentary animals. The present study was undertaken to determine whether this enhanced Ca2+ current density is compensated in smooth muscle cells from exercise-trained animals to limit net myoplasmic free Ca2+ accumulation. We also evaluated potential cellular mechanisms of Ca2+ regulation that may compensate the enhanced VGCC density of smooth muscle cells from exercise-trained animals. Experiments in which SERCA and/or sarcolemmal Na+-Ca2+ exchange were inhibited suggest neither mechanism compensates enhanced VGCC in coronary smooth muscle cells of exercise-trained animals. We also provide evidence that inactivation of VGCC by myoplasmic Ca2+ in the immediate vicinity of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (local Ca2+) is not different between sedentary and exercise-trained animals. Taken together, our findings suggest increased VGCC density in smooth muscle cells of exercise-trained animals is compensated by other cellular Ca2+ regulatory mechanisms to limit net free Ca2+ accumulation; SERCA, Na+-Ca2+ exchange and local Ca2+-dependent inactivation of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels do not appear to function as compensatory mechanisms.
Phase jumping phenomenon in frequency dividers

This note derives the phase equation of a regenerative frequency divider in the presence of noise in a simple way and points out the phase jumping phenomenon in such devices. It also evaluates the frequency of such jumps and the mean square frequency error by the apparatus of Fokker-Planck.
Deep Brain Stimulation Results in Local Glutamate and Adenosine Release: Investigation into the Role of Astrocytes

BACKGROUND: Several neurological disorders are treated with deep brain stimulation; however, the mechanism underlying its ability to abolish oscillatory phenomena associated with diseases as diverse as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of specific neurotransmitters in deep brain stimulation and determine the role of non-neuronal cells in its mechanism of action. METHODS: We used the ferret thalamic slice preparation in vitro, which exhibits spontaneous spindle oscillations, to determine the effect of high-frequency stimulation on neurotransmitter release. We then performed experiments using an in vitro astrocyte culture to investigate the role of glial transmitter release in high-frequency stimulation-mediated abolishment of spindle oscillations. RESULTS: In this series of experiments, we demonstrated that glutamate and adenosine release in ferret slices was able to abolish spontaneous spindle oscillations. The glutamate release was still evoked in the presence of the Na + channel blocker tetrodotoxin, but was eliminated with the vesicular H + -ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin and the calcium chelator 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis acetoxymethyl ester. Furthermore, electrical stimulation of purified primary astrocytic cultures was able to evoke intracellular calcium transients and glutamate release, and bath application of 2-bis (2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis acetoxymethyl ester inhibited glutamate release in this setting. CONCLUSION: Vesicular astrocytic neurotransmitter release may be an important mechanism by which deep brain stimulation is able to achieve clinical benefits.
Hypogammaglobulinemia complicating chylothorax after cardiac surgery in two infants.

CHYLOTHORAX is an uncommon event after cardiothoracic surgical procedures in children. It may be related to direct damage to the thoracic duct or its tributaries during surgical manipulation or the result of sustained, high central venous pressures.1 Because of its composition, ongoing losses of chyle can result in protein-calorie malnutrition with hypoalbuminemia, deficiency of fat-soluble vitamins, depletion of T lymphocytes, and electrolyte disturbances.2,3 Chyle also contains a high concentration of immunoglobulin and clinical experience has shown that ongoing chyle losses can lead to hypogammaglobulinemia. Despite the potential consequences of impairment of cellular and humoral immunity, the literature regarding the management of patients with chylothorax does not address the issue of immunoglobulin loss in chyle. The reviews of chylothorax and its management mention, without specific references, that immunoglobulin levels in chyle are equal to those of serum and that chronic chyle loss can lead to hypogammaglobulinemia.4 Two infants who developed chylothorax after cardiac surgery that resulted in hypogammaglobulinemia are reported. Treatment was instituted with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Gammaglobulin levels in serum and chyle during the course of their hospitalization are presented, and the potential role for gammaglobulin replacement in such patients is reviewed.
A model of statistics achievement using spatial ability, feminist attitudes and mathematics-related variables as predictors

Subjects for this study were graduate students enrolled in inferential statistics classes at a midwestern university. The study was conducted to determine the importance of spatial ability, attitudes toward mathematics, mathematical background, masculinity-femininity of interest pattern, attitudes toward feminist issues, student sex, and verbal and mathematical ability as predictors of achievement in applied statistics courses for male and female students.Regression analyses were performed comparing full versus restricted models. The amount of variance in statistics achievement accounted for in the full model which included all the previously mentioned sets of predictor variables was .60. The most important predictor variable set was attitudes toward feminist issues (reduction in R2 = .1861). Sex-related differences were found on all variable sets except verbal and mathematical ability.
Increase in the White Blood Cell Count Correlates with Disease in Newborns Tested for Ureaplasma urealyticum by Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR). † 1346

Increase in the White Blood Cell Count Correlates with Disease in Newborns Tested for Ureaplasma urealyticum by Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR). † 1346
Permeation of Amphipathic Drug through a Lipid Bilayer: Curcumin

Curcumin is a natural compound extracted from rhizomes of turmeric and is an example of amphipathic drug that bind to cell membranes. Extensive research over the last 50 years indicated that curcumin has antiinfammatory, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, wound-healing, and anticancer effects. The ability of drugs to permeate through membrane is very important to drug delivery. Passive transmembrane permeability is a major mechanism for drug absorption. In this study we used the aspirated GUV method to study how curcumin molecules permeate through a lipid membrane. Previous equilibrium studies showed that curcumin has two bound states on a lipid bilayer: one on the headgroup-chain interface (S) and another in the hydrocarbon chain region (I). The I state energy is significantly higher than the S state, so that initially as curcumin diffuse to the bilayer binds almost exclusively in the S state. Because of the existence of the I state, curcumin in the S state can translocate through the hydrocarbon barrier. We proved by the quenching ability of curcumin on lipid dye that, when the concentration is lower than the critical concentration, curcumin molecules which initial binding to the outer-layer can translocate into the inner-layer. The translocated molecules will then desorb from the inner layer thus permeate through membrane into the vesicle. We proved by content dye that below the critical concentration curcumin permeate through the membrane without making leakage. Surprisingly we found that when the concentration is higher than the critical concentration, the bilayer leaks dye molecules, thus further increases the permeation rate. Thus our results suggest that when a lipid bilayer is stretched beyond a certain limit by molecular binding, it might become leaky to small molecules. We believe that this complicated concentration-dependent permeation rate could be a common pattern for amphipathic drugs.
Improving the effectiveness of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation through reflective wall coatings: Experimental and modeling based assessments:

Experimental and modeling based assessments of employing reflective wall coatings towards improving the effectiveness of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in unoccupied hospital rooms were carried...
Sleep-wake disturbances in an animal model of chronic cholinergic insufficiency

Rats reared on a diet in which choline is replaced with N-aminodeanol (NADE), undergo > 50% replacement of brain acetylcholine with acetylated NADE, a false cholinergic transmitter. We examined amounts of sleep and wakefulness in 7 littermate pairs of rats fed either NADE-substituted, or a choline control diet for > 100 days after weaning. During the lights-on portion of the 12/12 h light/dark cycle, NADE rats spent more time awake, and less time in both non-REM and REM sleep compared to littermate controls. Average durations of waking episodes were significantly increased in NADE rats. During the 12 h dark period, there were no between-group differences in sleep-waking amounts. Behavioral hyper-responsiveness which interferes with sleep onset, combined with reduced activity in brainstem cholinergic mechanisms involved in REM sleep generation may underlie daytime sleep-waking disturbances in NADE rats.
Cloning and characterization of MRP10, a yeast gene coding for a mitochondrial ribosomal protein.

The nuclear gene MRP10 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was cloned by complementation of a respiratory deficient mutant N518/L1. This mutant is defective in mitochondrial translation and shows a tendency to accumulate deletions in mitochondrial DNA (ρ–). Analysis revealed Mrp10p to be a component of the 37 S subunit of the mitochondrial ribosomes. Disruption of MRP10 in a haploid strain of yeast elicits a phenotype identical to that of the original mutant. The respiratory defect of the null mutant is rescued by re-introducing the MRP10 gene in a wild-type mitochondrial DNA background. These results indicate that Mrp10p belongs to the class of yeast mitochondrial ribosomal proteins that are essential for translation. Searches of current databases failed to reveal any homologs among known bacterial or eucaryotic cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins. Some sequence similarity, however, was detected between Mrp10p and Yml37p, previously identified as a component of the yeast mitochondrial 50 S ribosomal subunit.
Public scholarship and the role for injury practitioners

The public is increasingly using non-traditional sources for news and information, including medical and public health-related information. Although only 23% currently read printed newspapers (down from twice that in 20001), three-quarters report using online sources for health information,2 ,3 and half of American smartphone users have obtained health-related information via their phone.3 Common sources of information include websites, social networking sites (including Facebook and Twitter) and YouTube. This ‘public scholarship’ has a huge potential impact on public health, particularly day-to-day preventive actions.4 Unfortunately, the reliability of existing online information sources is not assured and few public health practitioners currently maximise the potential of these non-traditional sources.5 ,6 The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, has developed some very effective social media campaigns7 ,8 and a handful of injury prevention centres (eg, Johns Hopkins, Emory, West Virginia, USA) are actively engaged in social media. However, although most US state health departments have Twitter or Facebook accounts, very few maximise the potential …
Satellite aerodynamics as a function of atmospheric properties.

Demonstration that satellite aerodynamic properties are a function of numerous factors associated with atmospheric properties. Among these factors, the gas composition has influence on the gas surface interaction which in turn has considerable influence on the satellite drag and lift properties. The drag and lift properties, which are also influenced by the orientation of the satellite with respect to the flow, are influenced by upper atmospheric winds which cause changes in the angle of attack of the satellite. Another strong influence on the aerodynamic properties is due to the speed ratio effect which is found to cause a systematic increase in drag coefficient with respect to altitude. The study of these factors is facilitated by the introduction of a generalized gas surface interaction model which is capable of representing a wide range of possible interactions.
Linear Ga actions on affine spaces and associated rings of invariants

Abstract Let k be an algebraically closed field. If Ga acts basically on the polynomial k-algebra B of dimension n and A is the ring of invariant polynomials then A is a factorial complete intersection of dimension n −1. If n⩽3 then A is a polynomial ring. There exists an invariant hypersurface H in Spec B whose complement U is Ga-stable and possesses a geometric quotient under the action of Ga.
Tyrosine hydroxylase, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase and dopamine metabolism after chronic treatment with dopaminergic drugs.

Mice were treated with dopamine (DA) receptor agonist and antagonist drugs: Agonists: (+/-)-SKF 38393 ((+/-)-1-phenyl-2,3,4, 5-tetrahydro-(1H)-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol) [DA D1-like]; bromocriptine, [DA D2 selective]; quinpirole, [DA D2/D3 preferring]; (+/-)-7-hydroxy-dipropylamino-tetralin (7-OH-DPAT), [DA D3/D2 preferring], Antagonists: R(+)-SCH 23390 (R(+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4, 5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine), [DA D1-like]; and haloperidol, [DA D2-like]. All drugs were administered intraperitoneally, two injections daily 8 h apart for 30 days. Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity, protein and mRNA, as well as DA metabolism were followed with time thereafter in the nigrostriatal neurons. We observed that chronic administration of D1-like agonists had no effect on TH or AAAD activity, while D2-like agonists decreased AAAD, but not TH activity. Additionally, chronic blockade of DA D2-like receptors resulted in prolonged induction of TH and AAAD, while chronic blockade of DA D1-like receptors induced changes of AAAD only. Compared to TH the induction of AAAD was longer lasting. DA metabolism was altered by chronic administration of drugs acting on DA D2-like, but not DA D1-like receptors, and in general the patterns of change did not follow those for TH or AAAD. When studied 48 h after the last dose of the chronic haloperidol schedule TH displayed tolerance to acute drug challenge. At the same time interval, there was tolerance to the enhancing effects of haloperidol and SCH 23390 on DA metabolism. The induction of AAAD by haloperidol or SCH 23990 did not appear to develop tolerance after chronic administration. These observations complement existing knowledge, and provide novel information about AAAD that may have practical importance for Parkinson's patients on L-DOPA therapy.
Septal branch aneurysm during coronary computed tomography angiography: a cause of right bundle branch block?

A 59-year-old male was referred to our institution for a cardiology consultation due to unexplained dizziness and recent episodes of near syncope. He had previously been diagnosed with right bundle branch block (RBBB) ( Panel A ), which was re-demonstrated on an electrocardiogram. Otherwise, he has been free of chest pain or palpitations. The medical history, however, did include cardiac risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, and a family history of premature cardiac disease, thus a …
Anisotropic Meissner Effect in the Linear-Chain Mercury Compound Hg 2.86 As F 6

Magnetization measurements on single crystals and powders of ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{2.86}$As${\mathrm{F}}_{6}$ show flux expulsion when samples are cooled in a small magnetic field, indicating superconductivity below 4.1 K. The observation of anisotropic flux expulsion with magnitude dependent upon the orientation of the external field with respect to the crystalline axes confirms the anisotropic superconductivity first observed in conductivity measurements.
Neuropsychological sequelae of childhood brain tumors: A review

Although children with brain tumors account for 20% of all pediatric cancer and comprise a theoretically important population for the study of brain‐behavior relationships, surprisingly few neuropsychological investigations have been forthcoming. Evidence regarding the effects of hydrocephalus, age at diagnosis, extent of irradiation treatment, and tumor location on the subsequent neuropsychological status of survivors is reviewed. Failure to adequately analyze these variables and their potential interactions, equivocal findings across studies, a lack of sophistication in neuropsychological assessment and study design, and conclusions based upon small and oftentimes heterogenous samples are prevalent problems. Although it appears that young children with supratentorial tumors who receive cranial irradiation are at highest risk for intellectual, academic, and emotional dysfunction, further research is sorely needed to define the relationship between disease‐ and treatment‐related variables and subsequent n...
ECP05-04 - Malpractice - An issue for all psychiatrists

Introduction Psychiatrists practice in a world of ever increasing scrutiny of their daily practice. Premiums for malpractice insurance are increasing year after year. Yet there are common themes that emerge from complaints and malpractice litigation that may be usefully elucidated in order to contribute towards improvements in psychiatric practice. Objectives By the end of this presentation the audience will have a good practical and theoretical understanding of the common causes of malpractice complaints and litigation, and will be well placed to improve their practice accordingly. Aims This presentation aims to examine and discuss malpractice issues in psychiatry. The focus will be on learning the lessons from the experience of other psychiatrists in order to improve the standard of our own practice, and improve our ability to deal appropriately with any future concerns and complaints. Methods Data and experience from medical malpractice insurers, research findings, perspectives from cognitive neuroscience and stories from the popular media will be reviewed. The presentation will highlight key issues and themes in order to draw out the lessons for all psychiatrists. Results Certain simple principles are fundamental to safeguarding psychiatric practice from malpractice complaints and litigation. Conclusions All psychiatrists are potentially vulnerable to malpractice complaints and litigation. There is much media attention paid to certain cases. This may in turn contribute to the public perception of psychiatry and psychiatrists. Yet there are also a number of straightforward steps that many psychiatrists can take in their day to day practice that will protect both themselves and their patients now and in the future. Improving our practice can not only benefit our patients and ourselves personally, but can also contribute to combating stigma and enhancing the image of psychiatry.
The kinocilium of auditory hair cells and evidence for its morphogenetic role during the regeneration of stereocilia and cuticular plates

Auditory hair cells that survive mechanical injury in culture begin their recovery by reforming the kinocilium. This study is based on cultures of the organ of Corti of newborn mice and two control animals. The axonemal patterns were examined in 165 kinocilia in cross-section. In the immature and regenerating kinocilium, one of the normally peripheral doublets is frequently located inward, forming the modified 8 + 1 (double) form; the distribution of the remainingmicrotubules is irregular. As the cell matures, the 9 + 0 form predominates. Overall, 34–61% of auditory kinocilia consist of 9 + 0 microtubules. The 9+2 (single) form, previously thought to characterize the organelle, occurs only in about 3–14%, whereas the remaining population comprises the modified 8 + 1 (double) form. Normally, the kinocilium lasts only about 10 postnatal days; however, post-traumatic hair cells reform their kinocilia regardless of age. Concomitant with the regrowth of the kinocilium, the basal body and its cilium take a central location in the cuticular plate, stereocilia regrow, and the cytoplasmic area adjacent to the basal body displays pericentriolar fibrous densities, growth vesicles, and microtubules, all surrounded by actin filaments. Pericentriolar bodies nucleate microtubules. Involvement of microtubules is seen in the alignment of actin filaments and in the formation of the filamentous matrix of the cuticular plate. We propose that reformation of the kinocilium in recovering post-traumatic hair cells indicates the possible role of its basal body in the morphogenesis and differentiation of cuticular plates and stereocilia.
Personality and medical illness burden among older adults in primary care.

Objective:To examine the association between Five Factor Model personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to experience, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness) and physician-quantified aggregate morbidity in a sample of older adults in primary care.Methods:A total of 449 primary care patient
WAVENET feature extraction of high-range resolution radar profiles for automatic target recognition

We propose a WAVENET method for feature extraction of high-range resolution (HRR) radar profiles. Because HRR signals constantly vary with incremental changes in time and target aspect, the inverse problem we address is that of extracting a subset of discriminatory features from a set of HRR profiles that are unique to each target class. Based on, we construct a neural net technique built on wavelets for determining the discriminating features separating each target class. The method involves choosing a suitable set of child wavelets, such that the transformation of the original data (the training set of HRR profiles) will enhance the nonlinear separability of different classes of target signals while significantly reducing the dimension of the data.
Mechanical, In vitro Antimicrobial, and Biological Properties of Plasma-Sprayed Silver-Doped Hydroxyapatite Coating

Implant-related infection is one of the key concerns in total joint hip arthroplasties. To reduce bacterial adhesion, we used silver (Ag)/silver oxide (Ag2O) doping in plasma sprayed hydroxyapatite (HA) coating on titanium substrate. HA powder was doped with 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 wt % Ag, heat-treated at 800 °C and used for plasma spray coating using a 30 kW plasma spray system, equipped with supersonic nozzle. Application of supersonic plasma nozzle significantly reduced phase decomposition and amorphous phase formation in the HA coatings as evident by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. Adhesive bond strength of more than 15 MPa ensured the mechanical integrity of the coatings. Resistance against bacterial adhesion of the coatings was determined by challenging them against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1). Live/dead staining of the adherent bacteria on the coating surfaces indicated a significant reduction in bacterial adhesion due to the presence of Ag...
Structural controls on the formation of the sub-Absaroka unconformity in the U.S. Eastern Interior basin

The sub-Absaroka unconformity in the U.S. Eastern Interior basin is characterized by a series of entrenched paleovalleys. Structural control of the paleovalleys resulting from the reactivation of basement features in the southeastern part of the basin is indicated by (1) parallelism of paleovalleys to faulting, (2) diversions of paleovalley trends corresponding to fault intersections, (3) facies changes in paleovalley-fill deposits and paleovalley geometry across fault blocks, (4) near-rectangular paleodrainage patterns, (5) channeling on horsts, (6) paleocurrents parallel to faulting, (7) diversion of a paleovalley against paleoslope and parallel to the strike of the Webster syncline, and (8) paleocolluvial and paleoslump deposits along fault-bounded valley walls.
Steroid metabolism by rabbit olfactory-specific P450 2G1.

Cytochrome P450 2G1 (2G1), which is uniquely expressed in the olfactory mucosa in mammals, may have important physiological functions. In the present study, we have examined the catalytic activity of rabbit 2G1 toward a number of steroid sex hormones, including androstenedione, estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone; the purified cytochrome is active toward all of these compounds in a reconstituted enzyme system with turnover numbers of 1.84, 0.34, 1.46, 1.04, and 0.84, respectively, at a substrate concentration of 5 μM. In the presence of cytochrome b5, the turnover numbers are 1.58, 0.66, 1.66, 2.74, and 1.34, respectively. Estradiol is converted to the 2-hydroxy compound (major product) and 4-hydroxy compound (minor product) by 2G1, and progesterone is converted to the 16α-hydroxy derivative as well as the corresponding keto compound as a secondary product. The same products are formed in olfactory microsomal suspensions as major metabolites of progesterone, and the reactions are inhibited strongly by anti-2G1 IgG. In a reconstituted system, 2G1 has an apparent Km of 2.0 μM and a Vmax of 1.8 nmol/min/nmol P450 for the formation of the 16α-hydroxyprogesterone. Of particular interest, 2G1-catalyzed progesterone metabolism is effectively inhibited by the boar pheromones, 5α-androst-16-en-3-one and 5α-androst-16-en-3α-ol, and to a lesser extent by a variety of odorant compounds as well as by known P450 inhibitors, including ketoconazole and α-naphthoflavone. The broad substrate specificity and relatively high catalytic efficiency of 2G1 in sex steroid metabolism suggest a role for this unique P450 isozyme in the maintenance of steroid hormone homeostasis in the olfactory mucosa.
Expression of uidA under regulation of the ABA-inducible wheat Em promoter in transgenic white spruce somatic embryos

Summary Microprojectile bombardment was used to generate transgenic lines of white spruce [ Picea glauca (Moench) Voss] which carry the ABA-inducible heterologous Em-uid A construct in pBM113Kp. A total of 24 putatively transgenic lines (T 0 or T s o -Transgenic somatic generation-O) were isolated, by successive propagation and enrichment of tissue sectors showing a positive reaction to the histochemical GUS assay, after incubation with ABA. Of these, 12 were used in the re-induction of embryogenesis to recover independendy transformed tissues (T s1 ). Southern analysis confirmed the integration of Em and uid A into the white spruce genome. Suspension cultures from T s1 lines were transferred to liquid maturation medium containing (±)-ABA, the pure enantiomers (+)-ABA, and (−)-ABA, or no ABA. Northern analysis showed uid A transcript accumulation 30 minutes after transfer to these media, with a peak production between 1 and 6 h, after which transcript accumulation decreased during the remainder of the 24 h culture. During the initial 2 h the transgenic lines appeared to be similarly responsive to both ABA enantiomers, used at 24μmol · L −1 . The use of this inducible promoter construct in the production of transgenic spruce lines, will aid in the investigation of the biological activity of ABA and related compounds during critical phases in somatic embryo development.
Elite Belief Consistency and the Effect of Position in the Policy-Making Process:

HE CONSISTENCY among the elements in the belief systems of political elites and the public has received attention of scholars beginning with the work of Converse (1964). The initial body of research focused on the differences between elites and the mass public (Anderson and Thorsen 1978; Luttbeg 1968; McCloskey 1964). Although many researchers on belief systems have confirmed the initial findings regarding the greater levels of belief constraint among elites, some have begun to advance work on belief systems in directions beyond the preoccupation with elite-mass contrasts. More recent research has examined differences in levels of belief consistency among types of elite political actors especially in relationship to specified policy issues (Pierce 1977; Pierce and Lovrich 1980; Constantini and Hanf 1972; Mazmanian and Sabatier 1981; Milbrath 1981). Pierce, for example, has studied belief system constraint among elites by examining levels of constraint across elites with differing policy interests. In a later work, Pierce and Lovrich contrasted several kinds of policy elites in the public with elected elites in order to examine not only differences in levels of constraint, but to begin more specific probing as to why differences are found among different elite types. It was shown, for example, that elites with similar structures of general beliefs could nevertheless differ as to the importance of elements making up that belief system. The degree of belief system constraint is, to some degree affected by the substantive domain in question. Moreover, it is reasonable to expect that the degree of constraint can vary across different issue domains. For example, commitments and actions in the field of economic problems might be structured by a different set of core beliefs (e.g., attitudes about property and profit) than those involved in education problems (e.g., attitudes about preparation for the labor force or citizenship). In contributing to the study of constrained belief systems, we focus on contrasts between elected officials and policy activists, regarding their degree of belief system constraint. We simplify our analysis by concentrating on one major issue domain at both the general and specific levels.
Wall-bounded buoyant turbulent flow and its modeling

Abstract A turbulent heat-flux model for buoyant flows is derived based on algebraic modeling techniques. Buoyancy terms are included in order to allow for the prediction of counter-gradient transport. The model incorporates a mixed time scale, based on both the velocity and thermal turbulence time scales and relaxes the assumption of a constant turbulent Prandtl number. Thus simplified, the algebraic equations, which are explicit in the heat fluxes, depend explicitly on buoyancy, the mean velocity and thermal fields, the turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate and the temperature variance and its dissipation rate. Near-wall corrections are formulated to make the model asymptotically consistent as a wall is approached and this allows the heat flux equations to be integrated to the wall once the transport of the temperature variance and its dissipation rate and the velocity field are known. The nonbuoyant version of the model has been validated previously, therefore, the present model is applied to near-wall buoyant turbulent flows only. Test cases considered include fully developed horizontal channel flows with a heated bottom wall and turbulent flow in a heated vertical pipe. The prediction of both flow types by the present model are in agreement with experimental data. In view of these results, the present model is found to be capable of capturing the essential physics and yields asymptotically correct results near the wall for both buoyant and nonbuoyant incompressible turbulent flows.
Affective and cardiovascular effects of experimentally-induced social status.

Objective Observational research suggests subordinate social status is associated with negative mental and physical health outcomes. However, observational studies have limitations, including confounding of social status with other factors, limited ability to infer causality, and difficulty of obtaining detailed affective and physiologic data. This study used experimental methods to test the hypothesis that subordinate social status per se causes psychological distress and cardiovascular arousal. Design Forty-four women were randomly assigned to an induced subordinate or dominant status condition. Social status was manipulated using a procedure derived from status construction theory. Main outcome measures Affective responses were assessed via self-report. Cardiovascular responses were assessed by measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressures obtained with an automated blood pressure machine. Results Participants in the subordinate condition perceived themselves as lower in status; the reverse was true for dominant condition participants. Compared with induced dominant status, induced subordinate status produced increased negative affect and systolic blood pressure over the course of the study. Conclusion Findings suggest social status can be experimentally manipulated and short-term induction of subordinate status can have adverse effects on affect and stress-related physiological systems. Results have implications for understanding how socioeconomic status "gets under the skin" to influence health.
A Jaundiced View of "Adequacy"in School Finance Reform

Discussions of school finance have been seriously hampered by an inability to relate inputs to student performance. Because spending and resources are not closely related to student performance, discussions that concentrate on the distribution of educational inputs bear little relationship to the distribution of educational outputs. This fundamental problem makes a definition of "adequacy" in funding and resources virtually impossible. Balanced against this, problems with our schools are very important, and active policy to improve the situation is called for: The types of policies that hold the largest hope involve different incentive schemes based on student performance. Such schemes are generally not compatible with policies involving adequacy or input floors.
Changes in glucose do not alter baseline firing rate or chemosensitivity of serotonin neurons cultured from the medullary raphé.

A subset of serotonin neurons are putative central respiratory chemoreceptors. To test the hypothesis that serotonin neurons also have intrinsic glucose sensitivity, perforated patch recordings were made from cultured rat medullary raphe neurons after pharmacological blockade of fast glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission. It has previously been shown that all neurons stimulated by acidosis under these conditions are tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunoreactive. Changes in glucose concentration from 0.1 to 20 mM had no effect on baseline firing rate of 31 neurons that were stimulated by hypercapnic acidosis. The response to hypercapnic acidosis of 25 of these neurons was the same in 0.1, 1, 2, 5 and/or 20 mM glucose as it was in 10 mM glucose. Changes in glucose also did not alter the baseline firing rate of 13 neurons that did not respond to acidosis. Although it is possible that these results were influenced by the use of tissue culture, they do not provide support for intrinsic glucose sensitivity of pH-sensitive serotonin neurons of the medullary raphe.
The effect of some physical parameters upon the laboratory measurements of sound transmission loss

Abstract A series of experimental results are reported for the transmission loss of three panel types for varying panel area, orientation, receiving and source room. It is found that panel area can play a significant role in the measured result and that coincidence frequency is also influenced by panel size and orientation. The effect of room volumes is shown to influence measured results but the trend differs from that reported in earlier work, with transmission from smaller to larger rooms yielding a lower transmission loss.
Social Factors Associated with Pharmacists' Unauthorized Use of Mind-Altering Prescription Medications:

A “medical model” ideology dominates the study of drug abuse among health care professionals. This perspective defines and approaches drug abuse as a disease. While this disease is said to have bio-psycho-social origins, scholars have principally focused on possible biological and psychological factors that produce a “predisposition” to drug abuse. Pertinent social factors have been largely overlooked. Drawing upon the membership list (N=50,000+) of the American Pharmaceutical Association, a random sample of 2,036 practicing pharmacists were queried to investigate the relationship between pharmacists' educational, occupational, and professional socialization and their involvement in illicit prescription drug use. A total of 1,016 (50.2%) questionnaires were returned. The data show that 40.1% of the respondents self-reported illegally using some form of potentially addictive, mind-altering prescription drug. Further, 21% reported 5 or more lifetime use episodes and 6.6% reported more than 10. Multivariate ...
Renormalization group for spatial anisotropy

Abstract The renormalization group approach is used to obtain the generalized homogeneous function hypothesis and crossover exponent for critical systems with spatial anisotropy.
MesoHABSIM: A concept for application of instream flow models in river restoration planning

Abstract This paper describes the methodological concept for application of physical habitat models to restoration planning at a whole river scale. The design proposed here builds upon the Instream Flow Incremental Methodology but is focused at the need for managing large-scale habitats and river systems. It modifies the data acquisition technique and analytical resolution of standard approaches, changing the scale of physical parameters and biological response assessment from micro- to meso-scale. In terms of technological process, a highly detailed microhabitat survey of a few, short sampling sites would be replaced by mesohabitat mapping of whole-river sections. As with more traditional stream habitat models, the variation in the spatial distribution and amount of mesohabitats can provide key information on habitat quality changes corresponding to alterations in flow, channel changes, and stream improvement measures. However, the scale of simulations more closely matches restoration and system analyses...
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor is necessary for nicotine-conditioned place preference, but not other behavioral effects of nicotine in mice.

Rationale Whereas cannabinoid CB1 receptors have long been known to contribute to the rewarding effects and dependence liability of many drugs of abuse, recent studies have implicated the involvement of cannabinoid CB2 receptors.