cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ERK-Directed Phosphorylation of mGlu5 Gates Methamphetamine Reward and Reinforcement in Mouse

Methamphetamine (MA) is a highly addictive psychomotor stimulant drug. In recent years, MA use has increased exponentially on a global scale, with the number of MA-involved deaths reaching epidemic proportions. There is no approved pharmacotherapy for treating MA use disorder, and we know relatively little regarding the neurobiological determinants of vulnerability to this disease. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is an important signaling molecule implicated in the long-lasting neuroadaptations purported to underlie the development of substance use disorders, but the role for this kinase in the propensity to develop addiction, particularly MA use disorder, is uncharacterized. In a previous MA-induced place-conditioning study of C57BL/6J mice, we characterized mice as MA-preferring, -neutral, or -avoiding and collected tissue from the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Using immunoblotting, we determined that elevated phosphorylated ERK expression within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a biochemical correlate of the affective valence of MA in a population of C57BL/6J mice. We confirmed the functional relevance for mPFC ERK activation for MA-induced place-preference via site-directed infusion of the MEK inhibitor U0126. By contrast, ERK inhibition did not have any effect upon MA-induced locomotion or its sensitization upon repeated MA treatment. Through studies of transgenic mice with alanine point mutations on T1123/S1126 of mGlu5 that disrupt ERK-dependent phosphorylation of the receptor, we discovered that ERK-dependent mGlu5 phosphorylation normally suppresses MA-induced conditioned place-preference (MA-CPP), but is necessary for this drug’s reinforcing properties. If relevant to humans, the present results implicate individual differences in the capacity of MA-associated cues/contexts to hyper-activate ERK signaling within mPFC in MA Use Disorder vulnerability and pose mGlu5 as one ERK-directed target contributing to the propensity to seek out and take MA.
PedsQL™ Gastroparesis Symptoms Module Domain and Item Development: Qualitative Methods.

Objectives Like adults, children suffer from gastroparesis. However, there are currently no validated instruments to determine the impact of gastroparesis in pediatric patients. The objective of this study was to develop the items and domains to support the content validity of the new Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) Gastroparesis Symptoms Module. Methods Patients were recruited from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Pediatric Gastroparesis Registry. The qualitative methods involved an iterative process comprising a literature review of existing questionnaires and gastroparesis clinical research, an expert review panel of pediatric gastroenterologists who provided feedback on the conceptual framework in developing the semi-structured interview, and in-depth focus interviews with six pediatric patients with gastroparesis and five of their parents (one did not participate) in developing relevant domains and item content. In the subsequent cognitive interviews phase, five additional patients with gastroparesis and their parents provided detailed feedback on item content, relevance, importance, and understandability of the domains and items. Results Ten domains/scales were derived from the qualitative methods, with item content saturation achieved at 67 items, with no further themes or content identified during the final cognitive interviews. The Module is comprised of 10 individual scales measuring nausea, stomach fullness when eating, vomiting, dry heaves, heartburn and reflux, stomach pain and hurt, food and drink limits, bloating, appetite, and worry. Conclusions Our study supports the content validity of the new PedsQL™ Gastroparesis Symptoms Module. The Module field test study will be conducted in a multisite national study.
Increased Misincorporation Fidelity Observed for Nucleoside Analog Resistance Mutations M184V and E89G in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcriptase Does Not Correlate with the Overall Error Rate Measured In Vitro

Nucleoside analog-resistant variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reverse transcriptase (RT) that displayed higher in vitro polymerase fidelity were previously identified via nucleotide insertion and mispair extension assays. To evaluate the contribution of increased nucleotide insertion and primer extension fidelities on the overall error rate of HIV-1 RT, we have measured the impact of two such mutations, E89G and M184V, on DNA copying fidelity in an M13 phage-based forward mutation assay. Using this assay, we observed mutation frequencies of 8.60 × 10−3, 6.26 × 10−3, 5.53 × 10−3, and 12.30 × 10−3 for wild-type, E89G, M184V, and double-mutant E89G/M184V HIV-1 RTs, respectively. Therefore, the overall polymerase fidelities of wild-type, E89G, M184V, and E89G/M184V HIV-1 RTs are similar (less than twofold differences) for DNA-dependent DNA synthesis. Thus, rather large increases in fidelity of deoxynucleoside triphosphate insertion and mispair extension observed previously appear not to influence the overall error rate of these mutants. However, a qualitative analysis of the mutations induced revealed significant differences in the mutational spectra between the wild-type and mutant enzymes.
Second Life: Exploring the Immersive Instructional Venue for Library and Information Science Education

A two-stage study was conducted to examine how Second Life (SL) can be used in delivering Library and Information Science (LIS) education. At the first stage, the study surveyed the early adopters of SL from other disciplines in terms of their teaching practice in SL, and found that most educators used SL to create an environment for constructive and experiential learning as well as distance education; then the results were shared among the faculty at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science. A following study was conducted among the faculty with regards to their intention of bringing their classes to SL. Findings indicated that there were interests in using SL to teach classes in areas like reference, library services for children and young adults, and library history.
Quantitative, in vivo fluorescence measurements with a two-photon fiber probe

We demonstrate the capability of a two-photon optical fiber fluorescence (TPOFF) probe for quantitative, in vivo fluorescence measurements in mice tumors.
Anaesthesia for the neonate.

Advances in prenatal diagnosis, obstetrical care and neonatal surgery have increased survival of the high-risk newborn. New and more frequent surgical interventions have increased the involvement of the anaesthetist in the perinatal care of the premature and term infant. Providing anaesthetic care for these infants is among the most challenging and stressful endeavours the anaesthetist must face. It is fraught with the obvious difficulties associated with the infant's smaller size, which makes routine technical tasks such as vascular access and securing the airway more difficult. In addition, the differences in the way the neonate handles anaesthetic agents and other drugs adds additional stress to the routine anaesthetic. Lastly, the unique aspects of developmental physiology complicate administration of the routine anaesthetic in this population and enhances the risks of serious complications such as hypoxaemia, hypothermia, as well as fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Anaesthetic care should be provided to these patients only by those anaesthetists who are fully familiar with these unique aspects of the physiology and pharmacology of the developing neonate and who are prepared for technical challenges and potential complications of neonatal anaesthesia.
Panel: projects in database courses

While the pedagogical importance of the group project is well documented and fairly adequately discussed in computer and information science and software engineering in general (e.g., [1], [2]), the focus of this panel session will be the specific considerations of using projects in database courses. Panelists will discuss their experiences in assigning a variety of projects in both the undergraduate and graduate level database courses. Topics include variations in problem scope and content, deliverables required, database management system used, workgroup size (individual or group), and assessments used to evaluate student work.
An Acoustic Evaluation of Circumferentially Segmented Duct Liners

An evaluation of circumferenti ally segmented duct liners is performed by comparing attenuations of optimized segmented and uniform liners for a range of frequencies and source structures. Broadband suppression and the effects of changes to input modal structure are explored in these comparisons. Credence in the theoretical model was obtained by comparing predictions to results of a carefully controlled experiment performed on the Langley Spinning Mode Synthesizer Facility. Excellent agreement was obtained in these comparisons. It is shown that for the lower order spinning mode sources, the optimum segmented liner degenerates into an optimum uniform liner so that no increased suppression of the segmented liner over the uniform liner is obtained. In contrast, predicted results show that the optimized segmented liner is more effective than the optimized uniform liner for the higher order spinning mode sources with a hard-wall/soft -wall admittance variation representing an optimum configuration for the segmented liner. Predicted results also indicate that the segmented liner gives better broadband performance and that its suppression characteristics are not particularly sensitive to changes in input modal structure when compared to that of the uniform liner. It is concluded that the greatest suppression benefit of segmented liners occurs near mode cuton frequencies and that these benefits are obtained despite reductions in the total amount of acoustic treatment of 50% or more.
Using fuzzy logic and a hybrid genetic algorithm for metabolic modeling

The identification of metabolic systems such as metabolic pathways, enzyme actions, and gene regulations is a complex task due to the complexity of the system and limited knowledge about the model. Mathematical equations and ordinary differential equations have been used to capture the structure of the model, and the conventional optimization techniques have been used to identify the parameters of the model. In general, however, a pure mathematical formulation of the model is difficult due to parametric uncertainty and incomplete knowledge of mechanisms. In this paper, we propose a modeling approach that: (1) uses fuzzy rule-based model to augment algebraic enzyme models that are incomplete; and (2) uses a hybrid genetic algorithm to identify uncertain parameters in the model.
Remote Assessment of Cognitive Function in Juvenile Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (Batten disease) A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Reliability

Remote technology provides an opportunity to extend the reach of clinical care and research for pediatric rare disease. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility and reliability of neuropsychological evaluation, using remote audiovisual technology, in the assessment of children with juvenile Batten disease. Three children with Batten disease and 1 healthy sibling completed a standardized cognitive assessment. Results indicated high agreement between an in-person and a remote evaluator when comparing the subjects' cognitive test scores. This initial test of remote cognitive assessment suggests it is feasible and reliable in children with pediatric neurodegenerative disease, for whom disease burden may limit travel and access to expert care and/or clinical trials.
Fungal Toxicity of Mobilized Soil Aluminum and Manganese

Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus growth from spores was used as a simple bioassay for toxicity of Al and Mn mobilized by simulated acid precipitation. Al was identified as being toxic in soil leachates resulting from acid inputs of pH less than 2.7. Inhibition by Mn was not detectable. The addition of fluoride significantly reduced Al toxicity, suggesting that biotoxicity of Al is partially dependent on the anionic composition of the soil solution.
Countering Jihadi Terrorists and Radicals the French Way

The 2015 Charlie Hebdo attacks warrant a detailed profile of the French approach to countering Jihadi terrorism. Much has been written about the tough French counterterrorism regime, which originated in 1986 and remains unique among Western democracies. There has been less analysis of France's lengthy list of post-9/11 reforms, and even less discussion of the French approach to counterradicalization. In fact, France was among only few European countries that did not engage in any “soft” counterradicalization programs after the 2004 Madrid and the 2005 London bombings. The mass exodus of foreign fighters to Syria led to a first national counterradicalization plan in 2014. In response to the Paris attacks, much in line with its security-oriented methods and outlook, the French government increased counterterrorism spending and surveillance powers. Various other measures are noteworthy, however, as they focus on prison radicalization and represent an effort to strengthen the counterradicalization campaign.
Asylum seekers, citizenship and reality TV in the Netherlands: quizzing refugees in jeopardy

This article interrogates a Dutch jeopardy style TV show, Weg van Nederland, featuring young, well-educated asylum seekers about to be deported. The TV program, devised in collaboration with the advocacy group ‘Defense for Children,’ performed the paradoxes resulting from the ‘inclusive exclusion’ of asylum seekers. Yet, its strategy of inscribing the contestants into the space of citizenship by highlighting their ‘rootedness’ through the quiz format also lent support to the exclusivist, essentialist understanding of national belonging that is produced in contemporary Dutch citizenship and integration law. Moreover, the show's focus on successful, thoroughly integrated and career driven young adults, while pragmatic from the perspective of the show's (limited) political objectives, also reproduced the preferred template of neoliberal citizenship, which drives the European migration regime and its policy of selective in/exclusion. These contradictions expose the possibilities, as well as the limitations, o...
Collective modes in tunneling quantum-dot arrays.

We present a theoretical study of the collective excitations and optical response of two-dimensional arrays of quantum dots. We calculate the dispersion curves and oscillator strength for the various modes when tunneling between nearest-neighbor dots is considered. The self-consistent-field formalism and a Wannier representation, described in the tight-binding approximation, is used to study the behavior of the modes of the system for different lattice parameters. We show that a band of interdot tunneling modes appears due to carrier tunneling between neighbors. The relative oscillator strength of the various interband and intraband excitation modes is calculated from the density-density correlation function. The tunneling modes are found to have a nonvanishing strength, possibly detectable in experiments.
Response to Comment on "Emergence of Novel Color Vision in Mice Engineered to Express a Human Cone Photopigment"

Makous suggests that the novel color vision documented in knock-in mice neither requires visual system plasticity nor implies the emergence of a new dimension of sensory experience. We explain why we disagree.
Effects of Child Health on Parents’ Social Capital”

Abstract This paper adds to the literature on social capital and health by testing whether an exogenous shock in the health of a family member (a new baby) affects the family's investment in social capital. It also contributes to a small but growing literature on the effects of children's health on family resources and provides information about associations between health and social capital in a socioeconomically disadvantaged population. We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study, a longitudinal survey of about 5000 births to mostly unwed parents in 20 U.S. cities during the years 1998–2000. Both parents were interviewed at the time of the birth and then again one and three years later. The infants' medical records from the birth hospitalization were reviewed, and poor infant health was characterized to reflect serious and random health problems that were present at birth. Social interactions, reported at three years, include the parents' participation in church groups, service clubs, political organizations, community groups, and organizations working with children; regular religious attendance; and visiting relatives with the child. Education, employment, wages, and sociodemographic characteristics are included in the analyses. The results suggest that infant health shocks do not affect the parents' social interactions.
Measurement-Based Design of Roadside Content Delivery Systems

With today's ubiquity of thin computing devices, mobile users are accustomed to having rich location-aware information at their fingertips, such as restaurant menus, shopping mall maps, movie showtimes, and trailers. However, delivering rich content is challenging, particularly for highly mobile users in vehicles. Technologies such as cellular-3G provide limited bandwidth at significant costs. In contrast, providers can cheaply and easily deploy a small number of WiFi infostations that quickly deliver large content to vehicles passing by for future offline browsing. While several projects have proposed systems for disseminating content via roadside infostations, most use simplified models and simulations to guide their design for scalability. Many suspect that scalability with increasing vehicle density is the major challenge for infostations, but few if any have studied the performance of these systems via real measurements. Intuitively, per-vehicle throughput for unicast infostations degrades with the number of vehicles near the infostation, while broadcast infostations are unreliable, and lack rate adaptation. In this work, we collect over 200 h of detailed highway measurements with a fleet of WiFi-enabled vehicles. We use analysis of these results to explore the design space of WiFi infostations, in order to determine whether unicast or broadcast should be used to build high-throughput infostations that scale with device density. Our measurement results demonstrate the limitations of both approaches. Our insights lead to Starfish, a high-bandwidth and scalable infostation system that incorporates device-to-device data scavenging, where nearby vehicles share data received from the infostation. Data scavenging increases dissemination throughput by a factor of 2-6, allowing both broadcast and unicast throughput to scale with device density.
Redox catalysis on Naked silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions were synthesized by reduction of silver oxide by H 2 following recently published procedures. 12 These particles contain no foreign stabilizers or any ions other than those from silver and water. The particles were characterized by their UV-vis absorption spectra, by transmission electron microscopy, by dynamic light-scattering-zeta potential determination, and by the pH dependence of the potential. The nanoparticles are stabilized by adsorption of hydroxide anions at the particles surface. Their zeta potential is ∼35 mV at pH 9; it is pH dependent and the point of zero charge is near neutral. The negative potential, the hydrophilic surface that is created by the adsorbed hydroxide ions, which resembles an oxide interface, and the low ionic strength of the solution due to the small salt concentrations in this synthetic approach all contribute to the unusual stability of the colloidal suspension. The amount of molecular hydrogen formed was determined following γ-irradiation of the silver suspensions in the presence of 2-propanol and acetone. In these suspensions, all of the radiolytically generated radicals are converted to reducing radicals capable of reducing water to H 2 . At low doses, however, the amount is very small but after a "conditioning" period the yield substantially increases. The conditioning stage is explored in detail, and it is shown that the main reaction responsible for the conditioning is reduction of residual silver ions in the solution. The steady-state concentration of residual Ag + ions that remains in the solution is determined by the relative rates of silver oxide dissolution and silver ions reduction during the synthesis. Analysis of the chemical composition of the suspensions at the end of the synthesis also indicates that a few percent of Ag + ions remain unreduced. Most of the unreduced ions are free in the bulk solution while a minority adsorbs at the particle surface. Once the conditioning stage is complete, essentially all reducing radicals generated by the irradiation can catalytically produce hydrogen. For the presently studied silver particles of 30 nm, competition between radical-radical recombination and hydrogen evolution is suppressed at >2 mM silver concentrations. Little is to be gained by increasing the catalyst concentration above this level.
Improving the specularity of magnetic mirrors for atoms

An array of anti-parallel current-carrying wires creates an inhomogeneous magnetic field capable of reflecting neutral atoms. We present analytical and numerical analyses of the magnetic field produced by such an array, and describe methods for reducing the resulting rms angular deviation from specular reflection to less than 0.1 mrad. Careful choice of cross-sectional wire profiles is shown to dramatically improve specularity of reflection close to the surface. Additionally, we find that the specularity depends on whether the number of wires in the mirror is even or odd, and that there exists an optimal turning height above the surface that maximizes the specularity of reflection from the mirror.
Studies of transition in boundary layers

Some current studies on transition in boundary layers are briefly reviewed, including work based on the asymptotic transition theory. In particular, attention is given to the appearance of transition, primary instability, transition criterion, nonparallelism and nonlinearity, multistructural approach to transition, and two-dimensional nonlinear interactions. The discussion also covers secondary instability, three-dimensional interactions, Floquet theory of secondary instability, breakdown, and boundary-layer receptivity.
The Role of GTD in Optimizing Perfect Reconstruction Filter Banks

Filter bank optimization for specific input statistics has been of great interest in both theory and practice in many signal processing applications. In this paper we propose GTD (generalized triangular decomposition) filter banks as a subband coder for optimizing the theoretical coding gain. We focus on perfect reconstruction orthonormal GTD filter banks and biorthogonal GTD filter banks. We show that in both cases there are two fundamental properties in the optimal solutions, namely, total decorrelation and spectrum equalization. The optimal solutions can be obtained by performing the frequency dependent GTD on the Cholesky factor of the input power spectrum density matrices. We also show that in both theory and numerical simulations, the optimal GTD subband coders have superior performance than optimal traditional subband coders. In addition, the uniform bit loading scheme can, with no loss of optimality, be used in the optimal biorthogonal GTD coders, which solves the granularity problem in the conventional optimum bit loading formula. We then extend the use of GTD filter banks to wireless communication systems, where linear precoding and zero-forcing decision feedback equalization is used in frequency selective channels. We consider the quality of service (QoS) problem of minimizing the transmitted power subject to the bit error rate and total bit rate constraints. Optimal systems with orthonormal precoder and unconstrained precoder are both derived and shown to be related to the frequency dependent GTD of the channel frequency response.
From Structural Conflict to Agrarian Stalemate: Agrarian Reforms in South India

Academic and policy literature is replete with accounts of failure and cynical symbolic manipulation in the field of agrarian reforms. Kerala state in Southwestern India represents a significant exception, far surpassing the more publicized reforms of West Bengal. The argument is that the necessary conditions for structural change-primarily radical mobilization of agrarian underclasses-developed in Kerala for an unusual set of reasons, including an especially oppressive and exploitative agrarian structure, early and extensive commercialization of the state's broader economy and integration of agrarian and social reform issues with development of the anti-colonial movement. Radical reform does not, however, mean either economic progress, as often assumed, nor unambiguous liberation for the most depressed classes, as field investigations of the post-reform structure illustrate.
Studies on the transition of the cristal membrane from the orthodox to the aggregated configuration. I. Topology of bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria in the orthodox configuration.

Bovine adrenal cortex mitochondria examined by electron microscopyin situ orin vitro in 0·25 M sucrose have an unusual cristal membrane structure. The cristae usually appear as unconnected vesicles within a double membrane system. A few of the vesicles appear to be attached to the inner boundary membrane or to one or more other vesicles. The configuration of such mitochondria will be defined as the orthodox configuration. In this communication we will provide evidence that the inner membrane is not composed of multiple vesicles, but is one continuous membrane with tubular invaginations, and that these invaginations alternately are ballooned out and squeezed down. A mechanism has been proposed to account for the differentiated structure of the cristae of adrenal cortex mitochondria.
Growth Stress in SiO2 Formed by Oxidation of SiC

Growth stresses in amorphous SiO2 scales formed during SiC fiber oxidation were calculated. A numerical method using Deal-Grove oxidation kinetics and shear-stress dependent SiO2 viscosity was used. Initial compressive stresses in SiO2 of ~25 GPa from the 2.2× oxidation volume expansion rapidly relaxes. At >1200°C, viscous flow of amorphous SiO2 further relaxes stress to negligible levels. At 700° - 900°C, axial and hoop stress at the GPa level persist in SiO2 near the SiC-SiO2 interface. Radial expansion of the scale causes hoop stress to become tensile, and axial stresses are driven to tensile values by the Poisson effect. These tensile stresses can be >1 GPa for thick scales formed at lower temperatures on surfaces with high curvature. Approximate analytical expressions for growth stress are discussed. Effects of viscosity variation as well as other assumptions and limitations of the calculation method are discussed.
Role of Rho proteins in agonist regulation of phospholipase D in HL-60 cells

Abstract Rho family GTP-binding proteins have been demonstrated to play a role in the regulation of phospholipase D (PLD) activity. In the present study, we examined the role of Rho proteins in PLD activation in differentiated HL-60 cells using C3 exoenzyme from Clostridium botulinum , which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates Rho proteins. Introduction of C3 exoenzyme into differentiated HL-60 cells by electroporation resulted in complete inhibition of PLD activity stimulated by formyl methionine-leucine-phenylalanine (fMLP) and ATP, two receptor agonists. Phorbol myristate acetate-induced PLD activation was also inhibited in C3 exoenzyme-treated cells, but the inhibition was only partial. GTPγS-dependent activation of PLD, measured in the absence or presence of ATP in permeabilized cells, was also partially affected by C3 exoenzyme treatment. Thus, these results indicate that Rho proteins play a key role in receptor-mediated PLD regulation in differentiated HL-60 cells, but play a partial role in the in vivo action of PMA and in vitro action of GTPγS on PLD. ATP produced a significant enhancement of the in vitro effect of GTPγS on PLD activity, but the effect of ATP was not altered by inhibitors of serine/threonine and tyrosine kinases. However, it was markedly reduced by neomycin and accompanied by an increase in phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdInsP 2 ) synthesis. These data indicate that in permeabilized HL-60 cells, the stimulatory effect of ATP on PLD does not involve protein phosphorylation but is due to an increase in PtdInsP 2 .
Investigation of the radial deformability of individual carbon nanotubes under controlled indentation force

Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy was used to study the radial deformability of a multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT). By imaging the MWCNT under different tapping forces, we were able to demonstrate its remarkable reversible radial deformability (up to $\ensuremath{\sim}40%$) and reveal internal discontinuities along its length. The values of the effective elastic modulus of several sections of the MWCNT in the radial direction were estimated with the Hertz model.
Melt inclusions in olivine: Reliable witnesses to Earth’s interior?

959 Our knowledge of the composition and chemical state of the interior of Earth is largely based on a combination of geochemical measurements of samples from depth, geophysical observations, and experimental studies of phase equilibrium and material behavior. While plate tectonic processes do bring deep subsurface rocks to Earth’s surface, such as in ophiolites, these are signifi cantly altered during ascent, and extraction of appropriate chemical and volatile information is unlikely to be highly robust. By far, the most reliable measures of chemical conditions in Earth’s interior come from samples brought to the surface with minimal opportunity for resetting the key chemical markers (e.g., ferric-ferrous iron ratios, volatile contents). The most common of these samples are xenolithic materials transported in basaltic or kimberlitic magmas and cooled rapidly. A critical question for such samples involves the extent to which they have been reset in terms of the signature of the source region during entrainment and ascent to the surface. Such signatures may be retained in the individual xenolith mineral grains or within inclusions trapped in the interior of these minerals. In this issue of Geology, Gaetani et al. (2012, p. 915) provide the results of an experimental study that give fresh insight into the effectiveness of melt inclusions within xenolithic olivine grains in retaining the water content and oxygen fugacity (f O2 ) at the time of entrapment. Hydroxyl signatures in minerals contained in xenoliths have been
Enhanced synthesis and accumulation of collagen in cholesterol-aggravated pigeon atherosclerosis.

Abstract Atherosclerotic segments of pigeon aorta synthesized collagen at four times the rate found in normal aorta (Athero = 2071 ± 1339 ng/g/h; Control=497 ± 192 ng/g/h; P total collagen were observed in atherosclerotic aortas (Athero = 9.9 ± 3.1 mg/aorta; Control=6.0 ± 1.3 mg/aorta; P Ultrastructural studies revealed the accumulation of large amounts of dense fibrillar collagen in the sub-endothelial region of the plaque. Plaque cells contained multiple vacuoles, an extensive rough endoplasmic reticulum and many mitochondria, suggesting active protein synthesis. It is concluded that increased collagen biosynthesis and deposition is an important metabolic derangement in lipid-rich atherosclerotic lesions which promotes their gradual conversion to fibrous plaques.
Altered Decorin and Smad Expression in Human Fetal Membranes in PPROM

Humans with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a subtype of which is caused by abnormal decorin expression, are at increased risk of preterm birth due to preterm premature rupture of fetal membranes (PPROM). In the mouse model, the absence of decorin leads to fetal membrane abnormalities, preterm birth, and dysregulation of decorin's downstream pathway components, including the transcription factor p-Smad-2. However, the role of decorin and p-Smad-2 in idiopathic human PPROM is unknown. Fetal membranes from 20–25 pregnancies per group were obtained as a cross-sectional sample of births at one institution between January 2010 and December 2012. The groups were term, preterm without PPROM, and preterm with PPROM. Immunohistochemical analysis of fetal membranes was performed for decorin and p-Smad-2 using localization and quantification assessment. Decorin expression is developmentally regulated in fetal membranes and is decreased in preterm birth with PPROM compared to preterm birth without PPROM. In preterm with PPROM samples, the presence of infection is associated with significant decorin downregulation compared to preterm with PPROM samples without infection. The preterm with PPROM group exhibited decreased p-Smad-2 staining compared to both the term controls and the preterm-without-PPROM group. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of decorin and its downstream pathway component p-Smad-2 occurs in fetal membranes during the second trimester in pathological pregnancies, thus supporting a role for decorin and p-Smad-2 in the pathophysiology of fetal membranes and adverse pregnancy outcomes. These findings may lead to the discovery of new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of PPROM.
The mismatch-repair protein hMSH2 binds selectively to DNA adducts of the anticancer drug cisplatin.

Abstract Background: The antitumor drug cis -diamminedichloroplatinum(II) ( cis -DDP or cisplatin) exerts its cytotoxic effects through the formation of covalent DNA adducts. A family of proteins possessing a common HMG ☐ motif that binds specifically to cisplatin DNA adducts has been previously suggested to be important in the clinical efficacy of the drug. Results: We have shown that the human mismatch-repair protein, hMSH2, also binds specifically to DNA containing cisplatin adducts and displays selectivity for the DNA adducts of therapeutically active platinum complexes. Moreover, hMSH2 is overexpressed in testicular and ovarian tissue; tumors in these tissues are most effectively treated by cisplatin. Conclusions: Our results suggest a role for hMSH2 in mediating cisplatin toxicity. Supporting this view, previous studies in Escherichia coli dam − strains demonstrate that mutations in mismatch-repair proteins confer resistance to cisplatin toxicity. Mismatch-repair deficiency is also correlated with tolerance to O 6 -methylguanine, a cytotoxic DNA lesion formed by methylating agents. A current model ascribes O 6 -methylguanine toxicity to unsuccessful attempts at repair of this lesion by mismatch-repair proteins, resulting in a futile cycle of incision and synthesis, leading ultimately to lethal DNA-strand breaks. We propose that mismatch repair may contribute to cisplatin toxicity by a similar mechanism. Alternatively, hMSH2 may shield cisplatin adducts from repair, allowing adducts to persist, thus enhancing lethality.
Naturally occurring hemagglutinins in the hemolymph of the scorpionParuroctonus mesaensis Stahnke

Lectins which bind sialic acid-containing receptors are present in the hemolymph of the scorpionParuroctonus mesaensis Stahnke. Glycoproteins like bovine submaxillary mucin, fetuin and human orosomucoid behave as strong inhibitors forParuroctonus lectins; desialylation of glycoproteins results in a drastic reduction of their inhibitory capabilities confirming that sialic acids are the terminal monosaccharides ofParuroctonus lectin receptors.
Supervisors' Performance Attributions: A Possible Barrier to Managerial Acceptance of Decision Aids

Researchers exploring the adoption of decision aids by managers have noted an apparent reluctance on the part of managers to use decision aids such as linear programming and mathematical forecasting models. In this study, the leader's attributions were explored as a possible explanation for this reluctance. Specifically, the effects of the subordinate's use of a decision aid on the supervisor's attributions of the causes of that performance were examined in a vignette to which 154 students who were employed full time as managers responded. Four conditions were explored: success while using decision aids, failure while using decision aids, success without using decision aids, and failure without using decision aids. Analysis suggests that for successful outcomes the use of a decision aid did not significantly affect the supervisor's attributions, but with failure, supervisors were more likely to attribute the cause of the failure to some quality of the subordinate (lack of ability or effort) when decision ...
Variation in anthocyanins and total phenolics of black raspberry populations

Abstract Black raspberry ( Rubus occidentalis L.) has long been recognized as a rich source of anthocyanins. Despite renewed interest in this crop for its potential health benefits, the range of variation in anthocyanin content and other phenolic compounds has not been well examined. Here we present anthocyanin concentration and profiles, as well as total phenolics, in the fruit of 26 black raspberry seedling populations (190 samples over two growing seasons) derived from cultivated and wild parents. There was more than a twofold difference in total anthocyanin concentration between the lowest and highest pigmented populations (ranging from 244.8 to 541.3 mg 100 mL −1 ). The relative amounts of the two major anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-xylosylrutinoside) in black raspberry fruit were significantly different. The range of total phenolics found was much lower (206.7–330.4 mg 100 mL −1 ). This information will provide a valuable baseline for researchers interested in studying the health effects of these compounds, product developers in the nutraceutical market, and breeders interested in developing new cultivars with improved fruit chemistry traits.
The relationship between insomnia and mortality among community-dwelling older women.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between insomnia and 6-year survival among older, community-dwelling, white women. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: The sample was selected randomly from a 20-census tract area of Baltimore, Maryland. PARTICIPANTS: In 1984, 778 women aged 65 years and older participated in the baseline survey; 613 were re-interviewed in 1985; 596 were reinterviewed in 1986. MEASUREMENTS: Insomnia was measured as self-report of at least one of three sleep complaints: trouble initiating sleep, waking at night and trouble falling back to sleep, and waking too early. Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relationship between insomnia, as reported at the most recent of three interviews, and mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of the sample reported trouble initiating sleep, 22.4% reported waking at night and having trouble falling back to sleep, and 26.6% reported waking too early. Of the sample, 43.2% had insomnia at the baseline interview; 23.2% percent of respondents with insomnia at baseline died during the follow-up period compared with 22.0% of those without insomnia at baseline. Recent insomnia was not associated significantly with mortality in either crude analyses (Hazards Ratio (HR)=1.11, 95% CI, 0.78–1.60) or analyses adjusted for age, prescription medication use, functional limitations, self-rated health, and number of chronic conditions (HR=0.74, 95% CI, 0.50–1.09). CONCLUSION: Our results, combined with the results from previous studies, suggest strongly that insomnia is not an indicator of approaching mortality in older community-dwelling populations.
"Late" recovery of the right ear dichotic score following cerebrovascular accident: a case report.

Abstract Late recovery of the right ear score on a digit dichotic listening test was observed in a 45-yr-old female patient. The right ear score was at chance levels of accuracy through the ninth month post-onset of a cerebrovascular accident and then improved dramatically to 67% correct by month 12. Possible bases for this pattern of performance are discussed
On income distribution and growth

Abstract The notion that substantial inequality is a stimulus to growth is extremely questionable. It is noted that a highly impoverished sector of the population reduces the productivity of the labor force. Moreover, the evidence that independent inventors and innovative entrepreneurs as a group receive compensation below those of equally educated employees indicates that disproportionate earnings are a questionable incentive.
The Matured Eye of Xenopus laevis Tadpoles Produces Factors That Elicit a Lens-Forming Response in Embryonic Ectoderm

Previous studies have indicated that the outer cornea can undergo transdifferentiation to form a lens in the tadpole larva of Xenopus laevis following removal of the original lens. This transformation appears to require an interaction with the neural retina. In the present study, we carried out a series of experiments to determine if the matured tadpole eye can also elicit lens formation in embryonic ectoderm. Labeled embryonic ectoderm was removed from the presumptive lens-forming region, or from the belly region (ventral ectoderm), at various stages of development (stages 11-19, gastrula to neural tube stages) and implanted into the eye cavity (posterior chamber) of advanced stage 52-55 tadpoles. After 3 days, we examined the tadpoles and their implanted tissues for lens cell formation using lens-specific antibodies. Implanted presumptive lens ectoderm differentiated lens cells in a large number of cases. The percentage of cases forming lens cells and the extent of morphological differentiation increased with increasing age of the implanted tissue. Implanted ventral ectoderm also formed lens cells, although at a reduced frequency and with limited morphological differentiation. These results indicate that the environment of the matured tadpole eye cavity stimulates lens cell formation in both presumptive lens and nonlens ectoderm. The development of the implanted tissues was compared to that found in previous studies where these tissues were cultured as explants or transplanted to lens-forming regions during early development and subjected to various periods of embryonic lens induction. Together, these findings suggest that the process of embryonic lens formation is related to that involved in transdifferentiation of the tadpole cornea during "lens regeneration." However, the inductive effect of the matured tadpole eye is qualitatively different from that of the early period of embryonic lens induction and, while more intense, may be more closely related to that which takes place via the optic vesicle during the later phase of embryonic lens induction.
Formation of 5-carbomethoxyvaleramidine during hydrolysis of the protein cross-linking agent dimethyl adipimidate

Imidoesters have been used in biological studies to measure interresidue distances of proteins and macromolecular complexes, and in hematology as antisickling agents. Treatment of human red blood cells with14C-labeled dimethyl adipimidate (DMA), a bifunctional imidoester with antisickling properties, was followed by gradual loss of radioactivity from the treated cells. The radioactive compound released was isolated by thin-layer chromatography and identified by high-resolution mass spectrometry and by carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance, ultraviolet, and infrared spectroscopy as 5-carbomethyoxyvaleramidine, which was also shown to be the major product of DMA hydrolysis in vitro at physiologic pH in phosphate buffer. High-resolution mass spectrometry studies indicated that this product is formed via cyclization to a reactive intermediate (7-methoxy-2-imino-3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2H-azepine) followed by hydrolysis. The intermediate exhibited strong UV absorbance, maximal at 232 nm. Such an intermediate would be capable of participating in cross-linking reactions which would have smaller dimensions than those observed with the imidoester in its extended form. The hydrolysis product, an unreactive species, should have no toxic effects on individuals receiving infusions of DMA-treated red cells.
Long-term follow-up of congenital esotropia in a population-based cohort

Purpose To report the long-term outcomes of a population-based cohort of children diagnosed with congenital esotropia during a 30-year period. Methods The medical records of all patients diagnosed with congenital esotropia as residents of Olmsted County, MN, from January 1, 1965, through December 31, 1994, were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 130 children were diagnosed during the 30-year period at a median age of 7.4 months with a mean deviation of 30 Δ . During a median follow-up of 11.9 years, 126 patients underwent a mean of 1.8 strabismus surgeries. The risk for undergoing a second surgery was significantly greater in patients with a larger presenting angle ( p = 0.017) and a younger age at first surgery ( p = 0.006). The Kaplan-Meier rate of having a second surgery was 51% at 10 years and 66% at 20 years. For those with 6 weeks or more of follow-up from the final surgery, last examined at a mean age of 15.1 years, 42 of 94 (45%) were within 8 Δ of orthotropia and 30 of 98 had some level of stereopsis (≤3000 arcsec). Conclusions In this population-based study of children with congenital esotropia, a second surgery was necessary in half the patients after 10 years and was more likely in those patients with a larger presenting angle and a younger age at first surgery. Approximately half of the patients were within 8 Δ of orthotropia and one-third had measurable stereopsis after a mean of 10.9 years of follow-up.
Variational lower bound on the scattering length

The scattering length $A$ characterizes the zero-energy scattering of one system by another. It was shown some time ago that a variational upper bound on $A$ could be obtained using methods, of the Rayleigh-Ritz type, which are commonly employed to obtain upper bounds on energy eigenvalues. Here we formulate a method for obtaining a variational lower bound on $A$. Once again the essential idea is to express the scattering length as a variational estimate plus an error term and then to reduce the problem of bounding the error term to one involving bounds on energy eigenvalues. In particular, the variational lower bound on $A$ is rigorously established provided a certain modified Hamiltonian can be shown to have no discrete states lying below the level of the continuum threshold. It is unfortunately true that necessary conditions for the existence of bound states are not available for multiparticle systems in general. However, in the case of positron-atom scattering the adiabatic approximation can be introduced as an (essentially) solvable comparison problem to rigorously establish the nonexistence of bound states of the modified Hamiltonian. It has recently been shown how the validity of the variational upper bound on $A$ can be maintained when the target ground-state wave function is imprecisely known. Similar methods can be used to maintain the variational lower bound on $A$. Since the bound is variational, the error in the calculated scattering length will be of second order in the error in the wave function. The use of the adiabatic approximation in the present context places no limitation in principle on the accuracy achievable.
Synthesis of a d-Ala-d-Ala peptide isostere via olefin cross-metathesis and evaluation of vancomycin binding

The alkene peptide isostere for the d-Ala-d-Ala dipeptide was synthesized via a convergent approach utilizing olefin cross-metathesis. The new isostere was then evaluated for binding to the last resort antibiotic, vancomycin. The alkene isostere exhibited a K(D)=90 microM in comparison to the native peptide (K(D)=2.3 microM) and Lac mutant (K(D)=2300 microM). This study demonstrates that loss of binding in vancomycin resistant strains as a result of a d-Ala to d-Lac mutation is from both the loss of a crucial hydrogen bond and introduction of a repulsive lone pair interaction.