cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of TCAP on passive avoidance learning in the rat

The drug, TCAP, which has been shown to enhance brain nucleoprotein production, has also been reported to enhance learning ability. A single injection of the drug was shown to be detrimental to passive avoidance learning, probably due to a dose-related stimulant action. Evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that long-term effects in brain chemistry through chronic administration of the drug might be necessary to obtain facilitation of learning.
Self‐actualization and impression formation1

Self-actualization (SA), assessed by scores on the Personal Orientation Inventory, was related to interpersonal behavior in two person perception experiments. SA moderated both personality impression ratings of stimulus persons presented singly and person preference choices in a paired comparisons paradigm. In general, self-actualized individuals were found to be more extreme in their responses to social stimuli than were non-self-actualized individuals. Results were discussed in terms of previous attempts to assess the relationship between SA and cognitive processing.
Voxel and surface-based topography of memory and executive deficits in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are associated with a progressive loss of cognitive abilities. In the present report, we assessed the relationship of memory and executive function with brain structure in a sample of 810 Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) participants, including 188 AD, 396 MCI, and 226 healthy older adults (HC). Composite scores of memory (ADNI-Mem) and executive function (ADNI-Exec) were generated by applying modern psychometric theory to item-level data from ADNI’s neuropsychological battery. We performed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and surface-based association (SurfStat) analyses to evaluate relationships of ADNI-Mem and ADNI-Exec with grey matter (GM) density and cortical thickness across the whole brain in the combined sample and within diagnostic groups. We observed strong associations between ADNI-Mem and medial and lateral temporal lobe atrophy. Lower ADNI-Exec scores were associated with advanced GM and cortical atrophy across broadly distributed regions, most impressively in the bilateral parietal and temporal lobes. We also evaluated ADNI-Exec adjusted for ADNI-Mem, and found associations with GM density and cortical thickness primarily in the bilateral parietal, temporal, and frontal lobes. Within-group analyses suggest these associations are strongest in patients with MCI and AD. The present study provides insight into the spatially unbiased associations between brain atrophy and memory and executive function, and underscores the importance of structural brain changes in early cognitive decline.
Secretagogue-induced transport of H+ and K+ by in vitro amphibian gastric mucosa

Abstract The effects of histamine, pentagastrin (PG), urecholinc (UC) amd dibutyryl cyclic AMP (cAMP) on the chambered fundic mucosa from Rana catesbeiana were studied to determine the H+ and K+ transport characteristics of the in vitro preparation. The three secretagogues (histamine, PG and UC) elicited very similar responses—a sustained steady-state secretion of H+ within 15—30 min and a transitory efflux of K+ that returned to control level within 60 min. Inhibition of H+ transport of the secretagogue-stimulated mucosa by 2.5 × 10−4 Mp-chloromercuribenzene sulfonic acid (pCMBS) caused an increased efflux of K+. Replacement of pCMBS by β-mercaptoethanol (2 × 10−3 M) rapidly restored the H+ transport, with a concomitant decrease of K+ efflux, to the pre-stimulated control level. The effects of cAMP were qualitatively similar to those of other secretagogues except that there was a delayed peak response for both H+ and K+. Our data are compatible with a K+ conductive pathway and a membrane-recycyling mechanism for K+in exchange for H+ at the secretory membrane of the gastric cells. Thiocyanate inhibited H+ transport, and the effect appeared to be due to inhibition of the transport and coupling of K+ to the K + H + exchange mechanism.
Modeling EMIC wave growth during the compression event of 29 June 2007

[1] On 29 June 2007, EMIC waves were observed on the ground by the Canadian Array for Realtime Investigations of Magnetic Activity (CARISMA) network of magnetometers between L = 5 and L = 7 in response to a significant magnetospheric compression. We describe a new MHD/particle method to simulate the phase space density dynamics of warm plasma particles in a realistic magnetosphere from the global Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry (LFM) MHD code and 3D test-particle trajectories. We use these results to compute temperature anisotropies and plasma densities. We then compute convective wave growth rates for this event over a range of frequencies, and thus create a spatio-temporal picture of where waves can be expected to be seen in magnetic local time and L-shell. Results are shown to be consistent with ground-based observations of this event.
Dynamic activity of lipid droplets: protein phosphorylation and GTP-mediated protein translocation.

Lipid droplet is a cellular organelle with a neutral lipid core surrounded by a phospholipid monolayer and coated with structural as well as functional proteins. The determination of these proteins, especially their functional regulations and dynamic movement on and off droplets, holds a key to resolving the biological functions of the cellular organelle. To address this, we carried out a comprehensive proteomic study that includes a complete proteomic, a phosphoprotein proteomic, and a comparative proteomic analysis using purified lipid droplets and mass spectrometry techniques. The complete proteome identified 125 proteins of which 70 proteins had not been identified on droplets of mammalian cells previously. In phosphoprotein proteomic analysis, 7 functional lipid droplet proteins were determined to be phosphorylated, including adipose differentiation related protein (ADRP/ADFP), two Rab proteins, and four lipid metabolism enzymes, including adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). To understand the dynamic...
Aspects of the circulatory system of Pollicipes polymerus J. B. Sowerby (Cirripedia: Thoracica)

The circulatory system of Pollicipes polymerus exhibits a high degree of organization which precludes it from being referred to as an open system. The system is arbitrarily divided into four parts: (1) the circulation of the peduncle and mantle; (2) the distributive circulation of the body, which provides hemolymph to most of the cephalic gut, to the maxillary gland, and to the cirri; (3) the peripheral circulation which distributes blood from the cirri to the peripheral areas of the thoracic region, to most of the thoracic gut, and from the scutal sinus to the peripheral areas of the cephalic region; and (4) the collecting circulation, which conveys hemolymph mostly from the peripheral circulation of the body to the peduncle. There also may be a circulation that is comparable to the vertebrate lymphatic system. Pumping of hemolymph can be attributed to three pairs of skeletal muscles that compress the dorsolateral channels. These muscles are unique for crustacean muscles in that they do not appear to be striated. The rostral vessel appears to be a vestige of a heart in which the pump muscles have been lost. There is a similarity of the rostral vessel to the heart of Calanus finmarchicus (a copepod). This is additional evidence linking the cirripeds with the copepods within the Maxillopoda. Electron microscope observations of the walls of the midsagittal vessels indicate that there is a more or less random layering of cellular and noncellular elements within the wall. Muscle cells appear to be incorporated in the vessel wall.
Expression profiling of transcription factors Pax-5, Oct-1, Oct-2, BOB.1, and PU.1 in Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: a comparative study using high throughput tissue microarrays

Analysis of B-cell-specific transcription factors is useful in understanding of the differentiation-linked phenotype in Hodgkin's as well as in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. We analyzed the expression profiling of transcription factors Pax-5, Oct-1, Oct-2, BOB.1, and PU.1 in 109 cases, including non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B- and T-lineage, classical Hodgkin's lymphomas, and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphomas. Our study revealed that all transcription factors were universally expressed in all cases of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's and variably expressed in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas of B-lineage. Cases of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma variably expressed the Pax-5, Oct-1, Oct-2, and BOB.1. However, in contrast to nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphoma, the transcription factor PU.1 was consistently absent in all cases of classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. Transcription factors Pax-5, BOB.1, and PU.1 were not detectable in cases of anaplastic large cell lymphoma. However, the Oct-1 was detected in all anaplastic large cells lymphoma cases, indicating that expression of this transcription factor was not restricted to B-lineage lymphoid malignancies. Our findings suggest that inclusion of the PU.1 antibody may prove useful in separating classical Hodgkin's lymphomas from nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's lymphomas in problematic cases.
Immobilization Stress Induced Changes in Adrenocortical and Medullary Cyclic AMP Content in the Rat

The levels of adrenal cyclic AMP in adrenal cortex and medulla have been examined during immobilization stress under varying conditions. After 30 min of immobilization, there was a highly significant rise in whole adrenal cyclic AMP, returning to base line levels after 150 min. Theophylline pretreatment shifted the maximal cyclic AMP increase after immobilization to 10 min, with return to almost base line values at 30 min. Hypophysectomy blocked the rise in adrenal cyclic AMP and, in fact, there was a small but significant decrease after 10 or 30 min of immobilization. Denervation of the adrenal gland did not alter the level of cyclic AMP in unstressed animals but reduced the elevation of cyclic AMP to about 50% of the response observed in the intact adrenals of stressed animals. There was no increase in cyclic AMP in the adrenal medulla after stress although the medullary component of cyclic AMP was 50% of the total. There was a highly significant cortical increase in cyclic AMP after immobilization. Fin...
Strategic planning for increased profit in the small business

Abstract This article examines the problems facing the owner-managers of small businesses, and details the investment required in strategic process development which would guarantee the critical 5 per cent difference to ensure the successful growth and adaptability of the company. Formal strategic planning needs to blend with team development to create the concept of ‘strategy-in-use’ and the development of effective management teamwork out of a planning process.
“An invincible Czech horde”: Political and Social Implications of Abstract Moravian Folklore in Milan Kundera’s The Joke

This article studies the treatment of Moravian folk music in Milan Kundera s 1967 first novel, The Joke ( Žert ). Reconstructed as the performative practice through which timeless collective memory is enacted, folklore appears as a vector of resistance to state-sponsored Communism in the post-utopian context of the novel. By probing the limitations and potentialities of this vision, this argument sheds light on the complex intersections of folklore, tradition, and collective identity in Communist Czechoslovakia and paves the way for a critical consideration of identitarian discourses based on a mythical reconstruction of the past.
When does an opportunity become an opportunity? Unpacking classroom practice through the lens of ecological psychology

Drawing on ecological psychology, this paper considers how student engagement is an accomplishment of the classroom system. Specifically, this paper presents an analysis of two teachers and their students who were using a project-based unit in their mathematics classes. The two teachers used identical curricular materials, but had dramatically different personal histories of teaching and different instructional practices. Our goal is to investigate the role of the teacher in supporting student engagement by considering the kinds of opportunities to learn that were presented by the teacher, and the relationship between those opportunities to learn and the ways their students engaged. Pragmatically, this paper contributes to our understanding of how teachers’ framing of activity significantly impacts the ways that students are likely to engage tasks. Theoretically, this paper highlights the interactional nature of learning, with the goal of clarifying why learning is not simply an individual accomplishment.
3He films and the RKKY interaction

Abstract 3 He films on Grafoil at areal density n ⪆ 0.25 atoms/A 2 have unusual magnetic properties. This system is modeled as a two dimensional solid in interaction with a two dimensional fermi liquid. A calculation of the magnetic behavior of this model leads to an RKKY exchange interaction that has several features in reasonable accord with experiment.
TDAG51 Mediates the Effects of Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) on Cell Survival *

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors and insulin receptors belong to the same subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases and share a similar set of intracellular signaling pathways, despite their distinct biological actions. In the present study, we evaluated T cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51), which we previously identified by cDNA microarray analysis as a gene specifically induced by IGF-I. We characterized the signaling pathways by which IGF-I induces TDAG51 gene expression and the functional role of TDAG51 in IGF-I signaling in NIH-3T3 (NWTb3) cells, which overexpress the human IGF-I receptor. Treatment with IGF-I increased TDAG51 mRNA and protein levels in NWTb3 cells. This effect of IGF-I was specifically mediated by the IGF-IR, because IGF-I did not induce TDAG51 expression in NIH-3T3 cells overexpressing a dominant-negative IGF-I receptor. Through the use of specific inhibitors of various protein kinases, we found that IGF-I induced TDAG51 expression via the p38 MAPK pathway. The ERK, JNK, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways were not involved in IGF-I-induced regulation of TDAG51. To assess the role of TDAG51 in IGF-I signaling, we used small interfering RNA (siRNA) expression vectors directed at two different target sites to reduce the level of TDAG51 protein. In cells expressing these siRNA vectors, TDAG51 protein levels were decreased by 75-80%. Furthermore, TDAG51 siRNA expression abolished the ability of IGF-I to rescue cells from serum starvation-induced apoptosis. These findings suggest that TDAG51 plays an important role in the anti-apoptotic effects of IGF-I.
Microbubble Kinetics in Indirect Ultrasound Lymphography

Ultrasound contrast enhancement of sentinel nodes was detected in 8/10 dogs and persisted for the entire imaging period. Enhancement was non-uniform occurring predominantly in the peripheral regions of the nodes consistent with subcapsular and peripheral medullary sinus distribution. Contrast enhancement occurred in afferent lymphatic vessels which could often be followed from the injection site to targeted sentinel nodes. In each instance in which contrast enhanced lymph nodes were identified with ultrasound, a corresponding sentinel node was detected by lymphoscintigraphy. Multiple sentinel nodes were present in 3/8 dogs in which nodal contrast enhancement occurred. One sentinel node was histologically positive for metastasis while all others were considered reactive. In 2 dogs, ultrasound contrast medium was thought to have sequestered at the injection site preventing lymphatic uptake.
HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN CONTINUOUS AMBULATORY PERITONEAL DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Hyperlipidemia is frequently seen in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. The cause of abnormal lipid profile in these patients is multifactorial. In both short and long term studies, abnormal levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and, HDL cholesterol were observed. In short term studies, both lovastatin and gemfibrozil were shown to favorably alter the lipid profile.
Elliptic integral solutions for fluid discharge rates from punctured horizontal cylindrical vessels

Abstract The problem of determining fluid discharge rates from the side (as opposed to the bottom) of punctured cylindrical and spherical vessels was recently addressed by Crowl1. Both vertical and horizontal cylindrical configurations were examined. Analytical solutions to the spherical and vertical cylindrical problems were obtained in rather straightforward fashion. However, the geometry is considerably more complex in the case of the horizontal cylindrical configuration. Crowl does not present an analytical solution to this more complicated problem, but employs numerical methods in order to integrate the governing differential material balance equation. The purpose of this communication is to present a direct analytical solution to the problem of side drainage from a punctured horizontal cylindrical vessel with the use of elliptic integrals, values of which are tabulated in numerous mathematical handbooks2–4. Because of their inherently greater accuracy, analytical solutions can serve as standards or benchmarks against which to check the reliability of numerical solutions and, in addition, are generally readily programmable on computers and/or spreadsheets.
Long-term study of dune infiltration systems to treat coastal stormwater runoff for fecal bacteria

Abstract The discharge of untreated stormwater runoff into recreational waters places swimmers at risk of contracting various illnesses and often results in beach closures or swimming advisories. In an effort to safeguard the public, two experimental Dune Infiltration Systems were installed beneath the sand dunes in Kure Beach, NC. The systems diverted stormwater from two existing beach outfalls, which drained 1.9 ha (4.7 ac) and 3.2 ha (8.0 ac) watersheds, into subsurface chambers for temporary storage and infiltration into the existing sand dunes. A 3-year study examined the long-term performance of the two systems during which 14,584 m 3 (515,046 ft 3 ) of stormwater was diverted into the dunes, with only 438 m 3 (15,457 ft 3 ) bypassing the systems, a nearly 97% capture rating. Enterococci concentrations in stormwater runoff from the watersheds exceeded the state's single sample maximum for Tier I waters (104 MPN/100 mL) in >70% of samples, with geometric means ≥278 MPN/100 mL. Groundwater enterococci concentrations tended to remain below the state limit (≤11% exceedance), with geometric means ≤7 MPN/100 mL. Groundwater monitoring in the control dune, with no direct input of stormwater, had a geometric mean of 5 MPN/100 mL and a 6% exceedance rate. The influences on the local water tables were temporary, as the water table would mound around the systems during infiltration events and dissipate to within pre-storm variations from the control within hours or up to approximately 2 weeks. The Dune Infiltration System appears appropriate for installation in small watersheds (
Microelectrode studies of amphotericin B on Na+ and K+ conductance in bullfrog cornea

Abstract Addition of 10 −5 M amphotericin B to the tear solution of an in vitro preparation of the frog cornea increased the transepithelial conductance, g t , and decreased the apical membrane fractional resistance, f ( R 0 ), in the presence or absence of tear Na + and Cl − . In the presence of tear Na + and Cl − , amphotericin B increased the short-circuit current, I sc , from 3.9 to 8.8 μA·cm −2 and changed the intracellular potential, V 0 , from −48.5 to −17.9 mV probably due to a higher increase in the Na + than in the K + conductance. In the absence of tear Na + and Cl − , amphotericin B decreased I sc from 5.5 to about 0 μA·cm −2 due to K + (and possibly Na + ) flux from cell to tear and changed V 0 from −35.4 to −63.6 mV due to the increase in conductance of both ions. Increase in the tear K + from 4 to 79 mM (in exchange for choline), in the presence of amphotericin B and absence of tear Na + and Cl − , decreased f ( R 0 ) from 0.09 to 0.06, increased g t from 0.23 to 0.31 mS, increased I sc from 0.63 to 7.3 μA·cm −2 , and changed V 0 from −65.5 to −17.3 mV due to the change in E K in the presence of a high conductance in the tear membrane. Similar effects were observed with an increase of tear Na + . Results support the concept that the Na + conductance opened by amphotericin B in the apical membrane is greater than K + conducatace. Previously observed transepithelial effects of the ionophore may be explained mostly on the basis of its effect on the apical membrane.
Reinnervation of urethral and anal sphincters with femoral motor nerve to pudendal nerve transfer.

Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Temple University, PennsylvaniaAims: Lower motor neuron damage to sacral roots or nerves can result in incontinence and a ﬂaccid urinary bladder.We showed bladder reinnervation after transfer of coccygeal to sacral ventral roots, and genitofemoral nerves (L1, 2origin) to pelvic nerves. This study assesses the feasibility of urethral and anal sphincter reinnervation using transferof motor branches of the femoral nerve (L2–4 origin) to pudendal nerves (S1, 2 origin) that innervate the urethral andanal sphincters in a canine model. Methods: Sacral ventral roots were selected by their ability to stimulate bladder,urethral sphincter, and anal sphincter contraction and transected. Bilaterally, branches of the femoral nerve, speciﬁ-cally, nervus saphenous pars muscularis [Evans HE. Miller’s anatomy of the dog. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders; 1993],were transferred and end-to-end anastomosed to transected pudendal nerve branches in the perineum, then enclosedin unipolar nerve cuff electrodes with leads to implanted RF micro-stimulators. Results: Nerve stimulation inducedincreased anal and urethral sphincter pressures in ﬁve of six transferred nerves. Retrograde neurotracing from thebladder, urethral sphincter, and anal sphincter using ﬂuorogold, fast blue, and ﬂuororuby, demonstrated urethral andanal sphincter labeled neurons in L2–4 cord segments (but not S1–3) in nerve transfer canines, consistent with rein-nervation by the transferred femoral nerve motor branches. Controls had labeled neurons only in S1–3 segments.Postmortem DiI and DiO labeling conﬁrmed axonal regrowth across the nerve repair site. Conclusions: These resultsshow spinal cord reinnervation of urethral and anal sphincter targets after sacral ventral root transection and femoralnerve transfer (NT) to the denervated pudendal nerve. These surgical procedures may allow patients to regain conti-nence. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:1695–1704, 2011. 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Key words: reinnervation; pudendal nerve; femoral nerve; urethral sphincter; anal sphincter; incontinence; spinalinjury
Esophageal chest pain. Value of high-dose provocative testing with edrophonium chloride in patients with normal esophageal manometries.

The unequivocal diagnosis of esophageal chest pain requires the demonstration of simultaneous manometric changes and chest pain. Numerous provocative agents have been used to enhance the diagnostic value of esophageal manometry. Our aims were to: (1) evaluate consecutively a large group of patients with proven noncardiac chest pain and normal baseline manometric studies, using edrophonium chloride, 10 mg, and (2) determine the value of provocative testing in clinical practice. One hundred twenty patients with normal standard baseline esophageal manometries were studied using blinded testing with edrophonium chloride and followed clinically by questionnaire. A positive response of both chest pain and manometric changes was observed in 34%, a negative response in 49%, and an indeterminate response in 17% of patients. Baseline manometric features, including high-amplitude contractions, did not predict the response to edrophonium chloride. Following edrophonium chloride administration, the change in amplitude, duration, and number of repetitive contractions from baseline was significantly greater in positive responders. Edrophonium decreased the velocity of propagated contractions in positive responders (P<0.05), but not in nonresponders. Response to edrophonium chloride could not be predicted by patient age, sex, or clinical symptomatology. Seventy percent of patients in both groups had symptoms indistinguishable from ischemic heart disease. After making a specific diagnosis of esophageal chest pain, patients showed a marked clinical improvement, with a significant decrease in physical limitation, emergency room visits, hospital and CCU admissions, and in further cardiac testing. We conclude that provocative testing with edrophonium chloride will make it possible to definitively implicate the esophagus in over 30% of patients with normal baseline manometric findings and noncardiac chest pain.
Changes in substance P and 5-HT binding in the spinal cord dorsal horn and lamina 10 after dorsolateral funiculus lesions

The present study was undertaken to determine whether changes in receptor binding of substance P (SP) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) occur in lumbar spinal cord laminae 2, 3, 4 and 10 following interruption of descending SP and 5-HT input. These transmitters and spinal cord regions have been implicated in nociceptive and visceral functions. Quantitative receptor binding autoradiography was used to assess the binding of 2 nM [3H]SP and 2 nM [3H]5-HT to lumbar spinal cord sections taken from normal rats and rats with unilateral thoracic dorsolateral funiculus (DLF) lesions. Postoperative survival times ranged from 1 to 28 days. Substance P binding was above normal in laminae 2 and 3 ipsilateral to the lesion and in contralateral lamina 2 at 1 day postoperatively (DPO), and declined thereafter, reaching below normal levels by 28 DPO. Substance P binding in lamina 10 was significantly above normal at 7 and 14 DPO, but not at 1 or 28 DPO. Binding of 5-HT was above normal at 7 DPO in lamina 2 ipsilateral to the lesion, lamina 3 contralaterally, and lamina 10 bilaterally. These increases were not sustained, however, and at 28 DPO 5-HT binding was significantly below normal in laminae 2-4 bilaterally. The bilateral effects seen in the present study are consistent with the bilaterality of descending thoracic DLF projections demonstrated by the Fink-Heimer method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Necker cube reversals as a function of age and IQ

Two new visual perspectives of the Necker cube have been noted with an emphasis on the use of these perspectives in perceptual research. Twenty-five high IQ children ages 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 and 25 low IQ children ages 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 were asked to reverse the Necker cube under three different instructional sets. The second and third sets of instructions involved the training of four different visual perspectives of the Necker cube. The results showed that IQ and age both significantly effect the number of reversals of the Necker cube. Except for 11-year-olds, low IQ children perceived fewer reversals than high IQ children.
Deoxynucleotide-containing oligoribonucleotide duplexes: stability and susceptibility to RNase V1 and RNase H.

Abstract Oligoribonucleotide duplexes containing one to four 2'-deoxynucleotide residues were used as substrates for ribonuclease V1 and RNase H. Either deoxyadenosine and/or deoxythymidine were incorporated into the duplex, 5'GGCCGGAUCCGCGC3'-5'GCGCGGAUCCGGCC3' by substitution of the appropriate deoxynucleoside triphosphate into a transcription reaction with T7 RNA polymerase. The melting temperature, Tm, of the duplex (1.8 microM in strands in 50 mM NaCl) containing only ribonucleotides was 79.9 degrees C. Substitution of deoxyadenosine in both strands of the duplex lowered the Tm by 2.4 degrees C. Substitution of deoxythymidine had no measurable effect on the Tm. Comparison of RNase V1 digestion patterns of fully ribonucleotide and deoxy-substituted duplexes suggest that any distortion is localized to the site of the substitution. An oligoribonucleotide containing two deoxy residues directs specific cleavage of RNA by E. coli RNase H. Structural requirements for cleavage are proposed for RNase V1 and RNase H.
A system for measurement of domain wall motion in amorphous rare earth-transition metal alloys

A system has been developed for measuring domain-wall motion in amorphous rare-earth-transition-metal alloys. A one-dimensional scanning technique is utilized in which a focused, oscillating HeNe laser spot moves over the magnetization pattern in the film. Domain walls are detected through the polar Kerr effect as the spot scans the film. A magnetic field is applied to the film in order to move the domain walls. The maximum line-scanning rate is about 250 Hz. The spot diameter at a 632.8-nm wavelength is limited to about 8 mu m by the 0.46 numerical aperture of the focusing objective, the beam waist of the laser, and aberrations. The domain wall position can be measured to within +or-1 mu m. The apparatus is described, and the results domain-wall-motion measurements are presented. >
460: Proteomic analysis of maternal serum to improve our prediction of preterm delivery

(EBV) antibody, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), CRH, and ACTH. RESULTS: 114 (58 Caucasian and 56 African-American) pregnant women were recruited. An equal number of Caucasian and African American women had Medicaid versus private insurance and income was not significantly different by race. African-American women had significantly higher mean CRP levels in the 2nd trimester (2.09 1.07 vs 1.59 .91, p .01) and 3rd trimester (1.93 1.11 vs. 1.51 1.0, p .048). African-American women also had significantly elevated ACTH levels in the 2nd trimester (2.94 0.52 vs 2.68 0.53, p .01) and 3rd trimester (2.85 1.05 vs. 2.41 1.04, p .03). No differences in EBV or CRH levels were detected. Caucasian women reported higher buffers against stress (p .04) and African-American women reported higher rates of discrimination (p .001). CONCLUSION: Significant differences in self-reported and biologic measures of chronic stress were identified between African American and Caucasian pregnant women regardless of income. African American women had higher levels of CRP and ACTH in the 2nd and 3rd trimester and reported higher rates of discrimination, while Caucasian women reported a higher level of buffers against stress. Future studies should further investigate the racial differences in chronic stress and associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Climatic variability and body size variation in the muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus ) of North America

Patterns of geographic variation in nine morphological characters of adult muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) are investigated by multiple regression and canonical correlation analysis. Three variables describing the annual precipitation regimen account for 16 to 33% of the variance in each of the skeletal measurements. Highly variable precipitation patterns result in low rates of germination and survivorship for preferred aquatic food plants which in turn reduces average total food availability for muskrats. In large individuals nutritive demands may exceed supply, thus selection favors smaller body size in areas of low food availability.
Political Instability, Policy Uncertainty, and Economic Growth: An Empirical Investigation

This paper elaborates upon the effect of political stability on economic growth using a novel approach. Unlike the literature on growth that emphasizes the turnover of decision makers, this paper focuses on the volatility of economic policies as the relevant indicator of stability. The literature on growth ignores the microeconomic instability associated with frequent changes of government policies. The empirical results of this paper indicate that the effect of political instability on economic growth is not conclusive. Most of the commonly used proxies for political instability have failed to explain growth differences across countries. The political instability indices have no significant effect on growth when a reasonable set of core variables is also included in the regression equation. The results also show that almost all of the policy uncertainty variables are significantly and negatively correlated with economic growth. However, the instability of economic policies has no significant impact on the accumulation of capital.
Natural and recombinant human glycodelin activate a proapoptotic gene cascade in monocyte cells

Glycodelin-A (GdA) is a member of the superfamily of lipocalins and the predominant glycoprotein secreted by human and primate endometrium in the secretory and early pregnancy phases. GdA can inhibit NK cell activity, T cell proliferation, and chemotaxis of monocytes. Its physiological function is thought to mediate immunotolerance at the fetomaternal interface. In the present studies, we engineered recombinant Gd (rGd) in yeast and tested its biological effects on monocyte viability. rGd, like the natural, purified endometrial GdA, is glycosylated and secreted, and they both induced apototic changes in monocytic U937 cells and primary human monocytes. Trypan blue exclusion, nucleosome release, DNA laddering, and immunocytochemistry to detect free 3'-OH DNA ends were used to characterize the effects of GdA and rGd. Using U937 cells as a model, cDNA microarray analyses revealed several pro- and antiapoptotic genes that were up- and down-regulated, respectively, in accordance with the kinetics of rGd-induced monocyte cell death. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed that Bad, Bax, and TNF-R1 gene expression were increased, whereas Bcl-2A1 and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) were reduced by rGd. Transfection assays in U937 cells indicated that the immunomodulatory actions of rGd were associated with NF-kappaB inhibition. Western blotting of U937 and primary monocyte lysates demonstrated that rGd activated caspase-8, -2, and -3 to execute programmed cell death in these cells. We postulate that infiltrating monocytes and potentially other innate immune cells of the decidua might be manipulated by this glycoprotein to enhance embryonic implantation rates or conversely, to develop novel contraceptive strategies.
Superiority of Pictorial Versus Verbal Presentation and Initial Exposure in the P300-Based, Complex Trial Protocol for Concealed Memory Detection

Two mock guilty groups had either pictorial or verbal initial exposure to crime items (probes) on which they were told they would later be tested. Then each subject was tested in two sessions on two successive days with both verbal and pictorial presentation, one test modality per session/day. The three dependent variables analyzed were three different estimates of the same basic measurement: the difference between P300s evoked by key (probe) and irrelevant stimuli. All three indexes were significantly increased more by both initial pictorial exposure, as well as by pictorial presentation modality, than by verbal exposure and presentation. We saw no main effect of exposure–presentation modality congruence, as congruence interacted with exposure: The largest probe–irrelevant differences were evoked by congruent pictorial exposure and presentation modality, and the smallest by congruent verbal exposure and presentation modality.
A Controlled Inhalation Diesel Exhaust Exposure Facility with Dynamic Feedback Control of PM Concentration

A facility has been assembled that provides a controlled inhalation exposure to freshly diluted and mixed diesel exhaust using a diesel engine under load and a two-stage exhaust dilution system with dynamic feedback control. The concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 microm in diameter (PM(2.5)), particulate carbon, and gaseous pollutants including carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) have been characterized and the exposure conditions have been found to be both stable and reproducible. Control of the PM(2.5) concentration at intended levels relies on the relatively linear relationship between particle light scattering and exhaust particle mass concentration. While the exposure system does not entirely replicate diesel exhaust conditions in the atmosphere due to the relatively low ratio of nitrogen dioxide to total NOx, the fine particulate matter size distributions are quite similar to those of aged diesel exhaust. The facility enables study of the relationship between diesel exhaust and cardiovascular and respiratory health effects in human and animal models.
A Comparative Study of Mobile Internet Usage between the U.S. and Korea

The introduction of smartphones illuminated mobile internet prevalence, highlighting nomophobia. This study explored the mobile internet usage dependency of Korean and U.S. mobile users and investigated the severity of such usage dependency and the factors involved. In the combined data set, it was found that Korean users have higher usage dependency levels than US users and that students, unemployed users, and younger generations are more susceptible to mobile internet usage dependency. When comparing the two countries as separate data sets Korean females present as having higher usage dependency levels. In the U.S., it is students and younger generation groups who present with higher usage dependency levels. Regression analysis found that frequency of access has higher associations with mobile internet usage dependency than usage length. country of origin and age are significantly associated with mobile internet usage dependency.
Influence of Exogenous Melatonin Administration on Salmonella Enteritidis Colonization in Molted Layers

Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of melatonin on Salmonella Enteritidis infection in experimentally challenged laying hens subjected to a forced molt. Leghorn hens (>50 wk of age) were randomly assigned to rooms, acclimated to a 16L:8D regimen, and provided ad libitum access to a nonmedicated mash layer diet and water. Birds in one room were molted (8L:16D; complete feed withdrawal), whereas birds in the second room served as nonmolted controls (CONT). Within each room, birds were randomly assigned to melatonin treatment (MEL; 12 birds/treatment), dosed orally commencing the same day as feed withdrawal for 10 d: (experiment I: 0 or 5 mg of melatonin; experiment II: 0, 10, or 20 mg of melatonin). Three days following feed withdrawal, all birds were experimentally infected with Salmonella Enteritidis, and after 10 d of feed withdrawal, all birds were killed and necropsied. In experiment I, concentrations of Salmonella Enteritidis in the cecal contents and the number of Salmonella Enteritidis-positive tissues from the crop, ceca, liver, spleen, and ovary were higher (P 0.10) were observed in any of the parameters examined due to MEL treatment. For experiment II, cecal concentrations of Salmonella Enteritidis were generally higher in the MOLT compared with the CONT treatment and within molted birds, cecal concentrations were higher in the MEL treatment (P < 0.05). Melatonin treatment in molted birds increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of positive crops in the MOLT+20 MEL treatment (P < 0.05). Salmonella-positive cecal tissue was increased (P < 0.001) in MOLT compared with CONT birds and was also higher in MOLT+10 MEL and MOLT+20 MEL birds compared with the MOLT-only treatment. Results from the current research suggest that dosage with high levels of melatonin may exacerbate Salmonella Enteritidis infection in layers subjected to forced molt.
The Limits of the Wallace Approximation for PMR Recording at High Areal Density

This paper discusses the validity of the Triple Harmonic method and the Wallace readback model for the determination of head-disk spacing variations in today's perpendicular recording (PMR) systems at >; 500 Gb/in2 areal density. For the recording system investigated here, and in the limit of high frequency, approximately beyond the frequency corresponding to the 2 T (0011) pattern, this method fails, as head and electronic noise start to interfere. In the low-frequency range of PMR systems, the Wallace equation does not apply any longer. Accurate magnetic spacing variations can be obtained by using the FFT of the intensity ratio of the readback signals, and fitting with the appropriate algebraic expression. Using this method, a repeatability of less than 0.1 nm was obtained, by using a random data pattern of only four 512 bytes data sector long.
Botrychium ascendens W. H. Wagner (Ophioglossaceae) in Newfoundland and Notes on its Origin

Abstract Botrychium ascendens is reported from Fogo Island in Newfoundland as an addition to the flora of the province. Fogo Island plants are identical to plants in western North America, including those from the type locality, in comparisons of leaf morphology, spore size, and allozyme expression. Comparisons are made with related and confusing taxa, B. campestre, B. crenulatum, B. lineare, and the American genotype of B. lunaria. Newfoundland plants display a high level of fixed heterozygosity and large spore size, indicating they are allotetraploid, and supporting suggestions that B. ascendens is derived from ancient hybridization between B. crenulatum and the B. lineare/campestre complex. The current distribution of Botrychium ascendens and its putative parents suggest it probably originated in western North America and migrated across northern Canada to Newfoundland.
Small Molecule Inhibition of MDM2–p53 Interaction Augments Radiation Response in Human Tumors

MDM2-p53 interaction and downstream signaling affect cellular response to DNA damage. AMG 232 is a potent small molecule inhibitor that blocks the interaction of MDM2 and p53. We examined the capacity of AMG 232 to augment radiation response across a spectrum of human tumor cell lines and xenografts. AMG 232 effectively inhibited proliferation and enhanced radiosensitivity via inhibition of damage repair signaling. Combined AMG 232 and radiation treatment resulted in the accumulation of γH2AX-related DNA damage and induction of senescence with promotion of apoptotic and/or autophagic cell death. Several molecules involved in senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis were specifically modulated following the combined AMG 232/radiation treatment, including FoxM1, ULK-1, DRAM, and BAX. In vivo xenograft studies confirmed more potent antitumor and antiangiogenesis efficacy with combined AMG 232/radiation treatment than treatment with drug or radiation alone. Taken together, these data identify the capacity of AMG 232 to augment radiation response across a variety of tumor types harboring functional p53.
An outsider's view of system identification

The author proposes an explanation of the term 'system identification', using a system with an applied stimulus and observed response, and the concept of the model-based approach. A brief analysis is provided of the value of time-domain versus frequency domain techniques for purposes of system identification. >
Computer-aided quantification of retinal neovascularization

Rodent models of retinal angiogenesis play a pivotal role in angiogenesis research. These models are a window to developmental angiogenesis, to pathological retinopathy, and are also in vivo tools for anti-angiogenic drug screening in cancer and ophthalmic research. The mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) has emerged as one of the leading in vivo models for these purposes. Many of the animal studies that laid the foundation for the recent breakthrough of anti-angiogenic treatments into clinical practice were performed in the OIR model. However, readouts from the OIR model have been time-consuming and can vary depending on user experience. Here, we present a computer-aided quantification method that is characterized by (i) significantly improved efficiency, (ii) high correlation with the established hand-measurement protocols, and (iii) high intra- and inter-individual reproducibility of results. This method greatly facilitates quantification of retinal angiogenesis while at the same time increasing lab-to-lab reproducibility of one of the most widely used in vivo models in angiogenesis research.
Angiographic Findings and Outcome in Diabetic Patients Treated With Thrombolytic Therapy for Acute Myocardial Infarction: The GUSTO-I Experience

Objectives This study sought to determine whether diabetes mellitus, in the setting of thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction, affects 1) early infarct-related artery patency and reocclusion rates; and 2) global and regional ventricular function indexes. We also sought to assess whether angiographic or baseline clinical variables, or both, can account for the known excess mortality after myocardial infarction in the diabetic population. Background Mortality after acute myocardial infarction in patients with diabetes is approximately twice that of nondiabetic patients. It is uncertain whether this difference in mortality is due to a lower rate of successful thrombolysis, increased reocclusion after successful thrombolysis, greater ventricular injury or a more adverse angiographic or clinical profile in diabetic patients. Methods Patency rates and global and regional left ventricular function were determined in patients enrolled in the GUSTO-I Angiographic Trial. Thirty-day mortality differences between those with and without diabetes were compared. Results The diabetic cohort had a significantly higher proportion of female and elderly patients, and they were more often hypertensive, came to the hospital later and had more congestive heart failure and a higher number of previous myocardial infarctions and bypass surgery procedures. Ninety-minute patency (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] flow grade 3) rates in patients with and without diabetes were 40.3% and 37.6%, respectively (p = 0.7). Reocclusion rates were 9.2% vs. 5.3% (p = 0.17). Ejection fraction at 90 min after thrombolysis was similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients ([mean ± SEM] 61.0 ± 1.6% vs. 60.1 ± 0.7%, p = 0.7), as was regional ventricular function (number of abnormal chords: 19.1 ± 2.0 vs. 17.5 ± 0.8, p = 0.3; SD/chord: -2.3 ± 0.2 vs. -2.4 ± 0.1, p = 0.6). Diabetic patients had less compensatory hyperkinesia in the noninfarct zone (SD/ chord: 1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.1, p - 0.01). No significant difference in ventricular function was noted at 5- to 7-day follow-up. The 30-day mortality rate was 11.3% in diabetic versus 5.9% in nondiabetic patients (p ≤ 0.0001). After adjustment for clinical and angiographic variables, diabetes remained an independent determinant of 30-day mortality (p = 0.02). Conclusions Early (90-min) infarct-related artery patency as well as regional and global ventricular function do not differ between patients with and without diabetes after thrombolytic therapy, except for reduced compensatory hyperkinesia in the noninfarct zone among patients with diabetes. Diabetes remained an independent determinant of 30-day mortality after correction for clinical and angiographic variables.
Preparation of the Neck for Microvascular Reconstruction of the Head and Neck

Reconstruction of congenital, developmental, or acquired head and neck defects remains a significant challenge for the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Microvascular free tissue transfer has several advantages over nonvascularized bone grafts and pedicled soft tissue flaps that currently make it the modality of choice for the reconstruction of extirpative defects of the head and neck. Preoperative planning must include detailed attention to the technical aspects of the microvascular procedure. This includes a thorough understanding of the vascular anatomy of the patient's neck; vascular anatomy of the various flaps including pedicle lengths; and a knowledge of how to facilitate microvascular surgery in the neck and to manage complicating factors in the difficult neck.