cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Expression and Regulation of Adhesion Molecules in Cardiac Cells by Cytokines Response to Acute Hypoxia

Adhesion molecules mediate inflammatory myocardial injury after ischemia/reperfusion. Cytokine release and hypoxia are features of acute ischemia that may influence expression of these molecules. Accordingly, we studied intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) responses to cytokines and acute hypoxia in cultured myocardial cells. Northern blot analysis and immunoassay showed that the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated concentration-dependent increases in ICAM and VCAM mRNA and protein. In both cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts, pretreatment with a specific inhibitor of nuclear transcription factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) prevented cytokine induction of both molecules. We also found that inhibition of tyrosine kinase and p38/RK (stress-activated protein kinase) pathways prevented IL-1beta-induced ICAM and VCAM protein synthesis, whereas extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK1/ERK2) inhibition did not. Neither hypoxia (0% O2 for 6 hours) alone nor hypoxia/reoxygenation had any significant effect on ICAM and VCAM mRNA. However, hypoxia did enhance IL-1beta-induced ICAM mRNA expression in myocytes. As a possible mechanism of this synergistic action on CAM expression, hypoxia induced a time-dependent increase in the DNA binding activity of both NF-kappaB and activator protein-1 (AP-1), two transcription factors important for cell adhesion molecule expression. In contrast to the enhanced ICAM mRNA induced by IL-1beta during hypoxia, however, protein levels for this adhesion molecule were unchanged beyond IL-1beta-stimulated levels, suggesting posttranscriptional and/or posttranslational control mechanisms. We conclude that cytokines regulate ICAM and VCAM mRNA and protein in both cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts. Furthermore, adhesion molecule induction requires translocation of at least two transcription factors, NF-kappaB and AP-1.
Reassessing the Theory of Comparative Advantage

This paper is a reassessment of the theory of comparative advantage and the policy of laissez-faire that has generally been built upon it. The method of analysis will be conceptual as the intent is to examine some of the more problematic assumptions and sometimes implicit preconceptions that underlie the model. In particular, it will be demonstrated that what often passes for a consistent and rigorous defence of free trade is neither. The paper ends with a plea for the re-introduction of a more historical and comparative approach to the trade policy debate.
Sex differences in biparental care as offspring develop: a field study of convict cichlids (Amatitlania siquia)

Parental investment theory states that parents should contribute more to older offspring. Differences between the sexes also influence how each parent contributes to offspring in biparental species. Here, we examined a naturally occurring population of biparental convict cichlids in Costa Rica to determine how each parent cared for offspring during two distinct offspring development stages. Consistent with the predictions of the reproductive value hypothesis, we hypothesized that the levels of parental contribution would be relative to the value that each parent places on a brood. We predicted that female parents would contribute more than male parents because female convict cichlids have lower future reproductive success than males. Additionally, we predicted that both parents should contribute more to older offspring, either due to the young’s increased susceptibility to predation (i.e., the vulnerability hypothesis) or because of the longer period of time parents have been interacting with older offspring (i.e., feedback hypotheses). This increase in investment by males should coincide with a change in the coordination of care between parents. Detailed observations of parental pairs in their natural habitat supported these predictions. Females contributed more to broods than males and were relatively unaffected by offspring age while males spent significantly more time with older, free-swimming fry. Additionally, males tended to leave younger offspring more than females did, and were more likely to do so consecutively with younger offspring. This suggests that the coordination of duties between parents changes as parental investment changes. Overall, these data support both the reproductive value and the vulnerability hypotheses, but not necessarily the feedback hypothesis.
If Built to Last, Are They Built for Value?

In 1994, James Collins and Jerry Porras extolled the virtues of a selected group of visionary companies in Built to Last. Whether these visionary companies are good of investments is not clear. Collins and Porras find that their visionary firms outperform a “less visionary” comparison group and the market index through 1990. We can confirm Collins and Porras9s results on a raw and risk-adjusted basis for the years prior to the completion of their work, but the relationship weakens for the years following. And using market capitalization and SIC code benchmarks, we find little support for the superiority of these companies prior to or after the Collins-Porras study.
Alloxan toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes and protection by sugars

Suspensions of isolated rat hepatocytes incubated in the presence of the diabetogenic agent alloxan exhibit time- and concentration-dependent damage. At concentrations of 3.5 mM and above, alloxan caused an increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and intracellular potassium (K+) leakage, all of which are indices of plasma membrane damage, and decreased the intracellular reduced glutathione content (GSH) of the cells. Preincubation (10 min) in D-glucose (50 or 100 mM, but not 10 mM) partially protected the hepatocytes from LDH, GPT and K+ leakage and the decrease in GSH produced by alloxan (7 mM) during a 60-min incubation period. Other sugars (D-galactose, 2-deoxy-D-glucose, D-fructose, D-mannoheptulose and D-mannitol) were also found to protect hepatocytes against damage caused by alloxan. D-Fructose was found to be the most potent protective sugar. These results indicate that alloxan is not selectively toxic to the pancreatic beta-cell and that sugars can protect against alloxan-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocytes.
Education for a technological age

Abstract The flood of new technology arising from the revolutions in microelectronics and microbiology has created a significant demand for quality and flexibility in the current and future workforce. The information-based technological changes that society is undergoing will have profound effects on education. This article examines such effects, which will include reexamination of core curricula, revisions to technical education programmes, growing emphasis on technical literacy and significant shifts in the education system.
Efficient, Complete Deletion of Synaptic Proteins using CRISPR

One of the most powerful ways to test the function of a protein is to characterize the consequences of its deletion. In the past, this has involved inactivation of the gene by homologous recombination either in the germline or later through conditional deletion. RNA interference (RNAi) provides an alternative way to knock down proteins, but both of these approaches have their limitations. Recently, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has suggested another way to selectively inactivate genes. We have now tested this system in postmitotic neurons by targeting two well-characterized synaptic proteins, the obligatory GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor and the GluA2 subunit of the AMPA receptor. Expression of CRISPR/Cas9 in hippocampal slice cultures completely eliminated NMDA receptor and GluA2 function. CRISPR/Cas9 thus provides a powerful tool to study the function of synaptic proteins.
Functional nanoscale biomolecular materials

Various approaches have been developed to exploit the functional properties of proteins and the structural properties of nanoscale materials. These range from biomolecule-nanomaterial hybrids and biocatalytically-generated self-assembled amphiphiles to protein-based structural templates. This commentary by Jonathan Dordick, discusses the article by Douglas Clark and colleagues, in which the authors report a study on the extremophilic protein γ-prefoldin (γPFD).
Intracerebroventricular insulin-like growth factor-1 decreases feeding in diabetic rats.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a hormone that is important in the regulation of growth processes and additionally has been demonstrated to modulate metabolic and autonomic responses. Some of its effects are mediated by the central nervous system (CNS), and there are IGF-1 receptors dispersed throughout the CNS. Both IGF-1 and insulin alter peripheral metabolic and autonomic nervous activity by a central mechanism, and the well-defined role of insulin in the regulation of feeding, especially in diabetes, led us to investigate the effect of chronic central administration of IGf-1 on metabolic and feeding parameters in normal and diabetic rats. Normal and diabetic rats with intracere-broventricular cannulas were given IGF-1, insulin (0.5 nmol/animal), or artificial cerebrospinal fluid via cannula twice daily for 4 d. Blood samples were collected on d 2 and 4, and the body weights and food intake were recorded daily. IGF-1 administered intracere-breventricularly did not alter plasma glucose, insulin, body weight, or food intake in normal rats. However, in diabetic animals, IGF-1 decreased food intake but did not alter blood glucose or plasma insulin. In correlated studies, intracerebroventricular insulin decreased food intake in both normal and diabetic animals. From these studies, we conclude that IGF-1 may act centrally to decrease food intake in the hyperphagic diabetic animals but not in normal animals. This suggests that diabetic animals have an increased sensitivity to CNS IGF-1.
Paths of efficient self-enforcing trade agreements

This paper characterizes the efficient payoff frontier in a three country model where countries face one time adjustment costs of forming trade agreements, and compares it with the constrained efficient frontier when agreements must be self-enforcing. The presence of self-enforcement constraints puts a limit on the magnitude of transfers that can be made between countries, and makes it more likely that bilateral agreements are observed on the constrained efficient frontier. The existence of adjustment costs leads to the possibility that payoffs under a two step agreement, in which an initial bilateral agreement is expanded to include the third country, may Pareto dominate the payoffs from immediate formation of an agreement among all three countries. However, the condition that a two step agreement be efficient in the absence of self-enforcing constraints is neither necessary nor sufficient for the gradual approach to have a lower minimum discount factor.
The Science of Intelligence Testing: Commentary on the Evolving Nature of Interpretations of the Wechsler Scales

Intelligence has been defined in multiple ways throughout history. In the last 100 years a psychometric approach to define the concept of intelligence has come to dominate the concept. This Comment...
On the Mismanagement and Maliciousness of Networks.

In this paper, we systematically explore the widely held, anecdotal belief that mismanaged networks are responsible for a wide range of security incidents. Utilizing Internet-scale measurements of DNS resolvers, BGP routers, and SMTP, HTTP, and DNS-name servers, we find there are thousands of networks where a large fraction of network services are misconfigured. Combining global feeds of malicious activities including spam, phishing, malware, and scanning, we find a statistically significant correlation between networks that are mismanaged and networks that are responsible for maliciousness.
Self–organization with partial data

We show how the kohonen self-organizing feature map model can be extended so that partial training data can be utilized. Given input stimuli in which values for some elements or features are absent, the match computation and the weight updates are performed in the input subspace defined by the available values. Three examples, including an application to student modelling for intelligent tutoring systems in which data is inherently incomplete, demonstrate the effectiveness of the extension.
A case against deep erosion of shields by ice sheets

The hypothesis of deep erosion of shields by continental ice sheets put forward by W. A. White is being used by neighboring disciplines. Although valuable as a speculative hypothesis, there is field evidence to contradict it. After discussion of the evidence, it is concluded that Pleistocene glacial erosion has removed no more than a few tens of metres of material from the shield areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
Effects of an α-Al2O3 thin film on the oxidation behavior of a single-crystal Ni-based superalloy

A ∼150-nm-thick coating layer consisting of α-Al2O3 as the major phase with a minute amount of Φ-Al2O3 was deposited on the surface of a single-crystal Ni-based superalloy by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Within 0.5 hours of oxidation at 1150°C, the resulting thermally grown oxide (TGO) formed on the coated alloy surface underwent significant lateral grain growth. Consequently, within this time scale, the columnar nature of the TGO became established. After 50 hours, a network of ridges was clearly observed on the TGO surface instead of equiaxed grains typically observed on the uncoated alloy surface. Comparison of the TGO morphologies observed with and without the CVD-Al2O3 layer suggested that the transient oxidation of the alloy surface was considerably reduced. Also, the CVD-Al2O3 layer significantly reduced the growth rate of the TGO and improved its spallation resistance, while slowing the internal oxidation of Ta-rich areas that were present in the superalloy as-casting defects. These results demonstrated that this thin α-Al2O3 coating could be used as a means of favorably altering the TGO morphology and growth kinetics for no bond coat thermal barrier coating (TBC) applications.
Tissue distribution and excretion of tritiated tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in non-human primates and rats

Tritiated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) was given to adult and infant rhesus monkeys and to rats to determine the distribution of this compound and to compare the tissue localization of the compound in the two species. Excretion, both daily and total, was similar in all three groups of animals, as was total tritium recovery. However, the concentration and total level of tritium in most tissues differed significantly between species. In the rat, retention in the liver accounted for over 40% of the administered dose, while this level was less than 10% in the livers of the monkeys. In contrast, a large percentage of the dose was located in the monkey in tissues with a high lipid content, particularly the skin, muscle and fat. In the rat, these tissues had much lower levels of TCDD.
Bereaved Mothers' Marital Status and Family Functioning After a Child's Sudden, Violent Death: A Preliminary Study

This article reports the findings from bereaved mothers' responses to a family functioning questionnaire (FACES III) over a 20-month time period following a child's violent death. Single and married study mothers' adaptability and cohesion scores were compared with each other. The results showed that married mothers had the highest adaptability scores of the three study groups. Case examples are used to illustrate the complexity of violent death bereavement. Further research is needed to better understand family functioning among single- and married-parent families after the death of a child.
Chemical separations for super-heavy element searches in irradiated uranium targets

Abstract A chemical procedure is outlined for super-heavy element searches in irradiated uranium targets. The separation scheme is based on the wide range in stability and extractability of chlorometallic complexes by alkyl tertiary and quaternary ammonium chlorides and the wide range of extractability of metal ions by di-2-ethylhexylorthophosphoric acid. These two properties are utilized in various extraction chromatographic systems. The procedure was developed using elements in the sixth period as chemical homologues of super-heavy elements and tested on 100–200 mg irradiated uranium targets. The separation schemes are also applicable to other irradiated targets.
Evaluation of Ethanol Blends for Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Using Engine in the Loop

Their easy availability, lower well-to-wheel emissions, and relative ease of use with existing engine technologies have made ethanol and ethanol-gasoline blends a viable alternative to gasoline for use in spark-ignition (SI) engines. The lower energy density of ethanol and ethanol-gasoline blends, however, results in higher volumetric fuel consumption compared with gasoline. Also, the higher latent heat of vaporization can result in cold-start issues with higher-level ethanol blends. On the other hand, a higher octane number, which indicates resistance to knock and potentially enables more optimal combustion phasing, results in better engine efficiency, especially at higher loads. This paper compares the fuel consumption and emissions of two ethanol blends (E50 and E85) with those for gasoline when used in conventional (non-hybrid) and power-split-type plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). Engine-in-the-loop (EIL) test results from a previous study of an E85-series PHEV show about 4% lower fuel energy consumption than gasoline because of better engine efficiency at high loads. In a conventional vehicle, the decrease in fuel energy consumption when gasoline is compared with E85 is less than 1%. The series PHEV operates as an electric vehicle when in charge-depleting (CD) mode. For the power-split PHEV, the CD mode of operation has multiple, but infrequent, “engine on” events, resulting in different engine utilization than the series PHEV. Differences in the hybridization configuration also result in different regions of operation for the engine in the CD, as well as the charge-sustaining (CS), mode of operation. The vehicle control strategy for a particular configuration remains the same for the different fuel blends. For the power-split PHEV, we assess the sensitivity of fuel consumption and emissions to the three fuels using EIL testing and compare them with EIL results for a series PHEV and a conventional vehicle. We propose changes to the PHEV control strategy to optimize the vehicle system for each fuel blend and configuration.
Transforming growth factor-β2 modulates synaptic efficacy and plasticity and induces phosphorylation of CREB in hippocampal neurons

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas) are widely expressed and play roles as multifunctional growth factors and regulators of key events in development, disease, and repair. However, it is not known whether TGF-betas affect the plasticity of hippocampal neurons. As a first step to address this issue, we examined whether TGF-beta2 modulated the electrophysiological and biochemical properties of cultured hippocampal neurons. We found that prolonged 24 h treatment with TGF-beta2 induced facilitation of evoked postsynaptic currents (ePSCs). This facilitation was associated with a decrease in short-term synaptic depression of ePSCs and increases in both the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs). The long-term changes of ePSCs and mPSCs may be associated with cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), which has been previously implicated in long-term potentiation. Immunofluorescence techniques and Western blot analysis both revealed that TGF-beta2 enhanced the phosphorylation of CREB. Together, these results suggest that TGF-beta2 may play a role in the cascade of events underlying long-term synaptic facilitation in hippocampus, and that CREB may be an important mediator of these effects.
Carbostyril-based beta-adrenergic agonists: evidence for long lasting or apparent irreversible receptor binding and activation of adenylate cyclase activity in vitro.

The interaction of the carbostyril derivatives 5-[2-[[1-(4-aminophenyl)-2-methyl-prop-2-yl]amino]-1-hydroxyethyl]-8-hydroxycarbostyril (carbo-amine) and 5-[2[[3-[4-(bromoacetamido)phenyl]-2-methylprop-2-yl]amino]1-hydroxyethyl]-8-hydroxycarbostryril (carbo-Br) with the rat reticulocyte beta-adrenoreceptor system has been partially characterized. In the absence of a guanine nucleotide, the concentration of carbo-amine, carbo-Br and (−)isoprenaline that inhibited (−)-[125I]iodocyanopindolol ([125I]CYP) binding by 50% (IC50) was 5.9 ± 0.2, 3.3 ± 0.3 and 49 ± 3 nM, respectively. In the presence of a guanine nucleotide, the (IC50) values were carbo-amine, 21 ± 0.6 nM; carbo-Br, 7.6 ± 0.3 nM and (−)isoprenaline, 813 ± 66 nM. Preincubation of membranes with either of the carbostyril congeners followed by washing reduced specific [125I]CYP binding capacity without changing the KD value for the remaining receptors. The beta-antagonist nadolol largely prevented the receptor reduction induced by the carbostyril compounds. Incubation of membranes for 18 It at 25°C resulted in an 11 % recovery of the carbo-amine-induced receptor loss and no recovery of the receptors lost by preincubation with carbo-Br. However, the carbo-amine induced receptor loss could be largely reversed (80%) by membrane heating at 45°C whereas little reversal (< 10%) was observed with the carbo-Br pretreated membranes. The concentration of carbo-amine, carbo-Br and (−)isoprenaline that stimulated halt-maximal cAMP formation in reticulocyte membranes was 17.8 ± 3.1, 8.2 ± 2.1 and 241 ± 17 nM, respectively, and all 3 agonists produced the same maximal response. Initial cAMP formation stimulated by the carbostyril derivatives and (−)isoprenaline was blocked by concurrent addition of propranolol. However, the addition of propranolol after 7 min of incubation with either of the two carbostyril derivatives did not affect further cAMP production whereas with (−)isoprenaline further cAMP production was blocked. The data indicate that both carbostyril-derivatives are potent, full beta-adrenoreceptor agonists and the carbo-amine bound to the beta-adrenoreceptor in a tight, slowly dissociating manner whereas carbo-Br binding shows an apparent irreversible interaction with the receptor.
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Recognition of an Unusual Complication of Aortic Valve Endocarditis

Aortic valve endocarditis can cause complications due to involvement of the subaortic structures. These complications include satellite vegetations on the aortic regurgitant jet lesion sites, involvement of the anterior or posterior mitral valve leaflets in the form of aneurysms, perforation, and involvement of the mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa, namely abscess, aneurysm, and perforation into the left atrium or the pericardial sac. These complications can be identified accurately by echocardiography. We report an unusual case which demonstrates (1) coexistence of both mitral-aortic intervalvular fibrosa and mitral valve aneurysms, and (2) echocardiography follow-up of a mitral valve aneurysm to perforation. These complications were recognized by transesophageal echocardiography and verified at surgery.
Nest Use by Females of the Presocial Wasp Cerceris watlingensis (Hymenoptera: Sphecidae)

To determine origins of nest sharing in the sphecid wasp Cerceris watlingensis Elliott & Salbert, we marked individual females and observed their behavior. Nest sharing arose as a result of two different patterns of nest use: use of the parental burrow for several days by newly emerging females, and burrow abandonment and switching by older females. Predator pressure may have selected for both these patterns of nest use.
Surface and function approximation with nonparametric regression

Several methods are considered for the reconstruction of smooth functions and surfaces from noisy measurements. These methods are statistically motivated and belong to the area of nonparametric regression. They include the kernel method, local orthonormal polynomial expansions with prebinning, and locally weighted least squares. The close connections which exists between these methods are pointed out, and equivalent kernels for locally weighted least squares estimates are derived. An application to surface approximation for Iranian soil clay thickness data is discussed. We also consider the case of surfaces with discontinuities. This includes the edge estimation problem, maximum and cube splitting methods for edge estimation and associated two-step procedures for the recovery of the entire surface.
Research Frontier Essay: When Are Interests Interesting? The Problem of Political Representation of Women

Recent years have witnessed an increasing demand by women for political representation of women. This demand points the way toward a number of important problems for political research, many of which remain unsolved primarily because of the segregation of women's studies from the dominant concerns of political science. This discussion focuses on the problem of group interests and representation, drawing on and suggesting further research on public opinion, interest groups, social movements, international politics, political elites, and public policy.
Axillary Dissection: An Obsolete Operation?

: Our concept of the role of axillary dissection in breast cancer management continues to change. The decreased morbidity of breast conserving therapy has focused more attention on the sequelae of axillary dissection. In addition, the increasingly frequent identification of small breast cancers at low risk for nodal metastases means that fewer patients benefit from axillary dissection. This article reviews the morbidity of axillary dissection, the risk of nodal metastases in a variety of patient groups, and the frequency with which nodal metastases alter the use of adjuvant therapy.
A production-inventory model with randomly changing environmental conditions

We consider a limited-capacity production-inventory system with linear production rate and compound Poisson demand in which both production and demand processes are subject to independently and randomly changing environmental conditions. Assuming that these conditions are represented by two continuous-time homogeneous Markov chains and shortages are lost, we derive the limiting distribution of the inventory level and present some numerical results in terms of the ensuing performance measures.
Scale-dependence of resource-biodiversity relationships.

The functional relationship between resource availability and species richness is addressed at different spatial scales. We analyse the smaller, community, scale by using a multi-species contact process coupled to a heterogeneous landscape, i.e. a stochastic spatial model of individual behavior in a system with limited resources. Using percolation theory, the theory of competitive exclusion processes, and the results of Monte Carlo simulations we show that a unimodal resource-species relationship may be understood as a tradeoff between the availability and connectivity of resource patches. We then pose the question of how resource-species relationships may be scaled up to the larger, regional, level and discuss the theoretical basis for differences in behavior at different scales. Regional ecosystems are modeled as statistical aggregates of dynamically driven small-scale ecosystems. Observing a transition from a unimodal relationship at small scales to a monotonically increasing relationship at large scales is shown to be contingent on the presence of a resource-dependent species pool. Finally, we confirm our theoretical prediction of a transition via Monte Carlo simulations of regional landscapes and discuss the potential complicating effects of spatial correlations in the distribution of both resources and species.
Electronic wave functions and electron-confined-phonon matrix elements in GaAs/AlxGa1-xAs double-barrier resonant-tunneling structures.

We have numerically studied spatial properties of electronic wave functions in GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As double-barrier resonant-tunneling (DBRT) structures, particularly those properties which strongly affect the interaction of electrons with confined phonon modes in the barrier and quantum-well layers and play a role in phonon-assisted tunneling. We use a transfer-matrix approach to examine the detailed spatial structure of DBRT electronic wave functions for various injection energies and applied voltages in two representative structures. In addition to verifying expected behavior for transmission probability and scattering phase shift versus energy, we find that, off resonance, the electronic wave functions show significant spatial asymmetry in the well layer, which enhances coupling of electrons to shorter-wavelength confined phonon modes. A formula for the excess current due to phonon-assisted tunneling is given. Finally, we present numerical evaluations of the matrix elements which describe the electron--confined-LO-phonon interaction for lower-order confined modes and these indicate that phonon emission occurs preferentially in the GaAs well and not the ${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As barrier layers for typical DBRT structures.
Regulation of the preprosomatostatin gene by cyclic-AMP in cerebrocortical neurons.

Abstract The gene coding for preprosomatostatin (ppSom), the molecular precursor of somatostatin (Som), is regulated at the level of transcription by calcium ions and cyclic-AMP [F. Baldino, S. Fitzpatrick-McElligott, T. O'Kane, I. Gozes, Hormonal regulation of somatostatin, Synapse 2 (1988) 317–325; M.R. Montminy, M.J. Low, L. Tapia-Arancibia, Cyclic AMP regulates somatostatin mRNA accumulation in primary diencephalic cultures and in transfected fibroblast cells, J. Neurosci. 6 (1986) 1171–1176.], or by agents which increase intracellular levels of cAMP directly, such as forskolin [M.R. Montminy, M.J. Low, L. Tapia-Arancibia, Cyclic AMP regulates somatostatin mRNA accumulation in primary diencephalic cultures and in transfected fibroblast cells, J. Neurosci. 6 (1986) 1171–1176.]. Transcriptional induction of the ppSom gene as examined in PC12 cells, transfected fibroblasts and primary diencephalic cultures, requires the highly conserved cAMP response element (CRE), which confers gene responsiveness to cAMP [M. Comb, N. Mermod, S.E. Hyman, Proteins bound at adjacent DNA elements act synergistically to regulate human proenkephalin cAMP inducible transcription, EMBO J. 7 (1988) 3793–3805; T. Tsukada, J.S. Fink, G. Mandel, Identification of a region in the human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide gene responsible for regulation by cyclic AMP, J. Biol. Chem. 262 (1987) 8743–8747.]. The ppSom gene is subject to stringent regulation during cerebrocortical development in vivo; however, little information is available regarding ppSom gene regulation by neurotransmitters or second-messengers in cortical neurons. We used primary cerebrocortical cell cultures from fetal mice to examine the dose–response and time-course of ppSom gene expression in response to the cyclic-AMP analogs, dibutyrl-cAMP (dbcAMP), and 8-bromo-cAMP (8-BrcAMP). We report a dose-response for both analogs in the range of 0.1–10 mM. Dose–response studies using agents which directly stimulate intracellular cAMP synthesis (forskolin) or inhibit its breakdown (3-isobutyl 1-methyl xanthine) were also performed. We observed an apparent synergistic effect on ppSom expression when used in combination. An increase in ppSom mRNA levels was observed by 4 h, with a maximal response at 12–24 h. No change in ppSom mRNA levels was observed in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Our findings confirm the specificity of ppSom gene regulation by cAMP and Ca2+ ions, and demonstrate the utility of using primary cerebrocortical cultures for the study of somatostatin gene expression by neurotransmitters and second-messengers as a model of human neurologic disorders.
STACK GAS BETA MONITOR

Abstract A large-area, flat-plate counter is designed to obtain a sensitivity of 10-7 μc/cc to radioactive gases in a reasonably small volume of sample. The counter operates in the proportional mode on its beta plateau and is relatively insensitive to background gamma radiation. Incremental volumes of gas sample at appreciable distances within the beta range are subtended with relatively large solid angles. An electrostatic precipitator is devised to monitor radioactive particulates which may penetrate an absolute filter. The sensitivity is greater than is needed to evaluate noble gas release. Count rate may be recorded continuously while collecting and concentrating the contaminants.
Enhanced Diapycnal Mixing by Salt Fingers in the Thermocline of the Tropical Atlantic

Diapycnal mixing plays a significant role in the ocean's circulation and uptake of heat and carbon dioxide, but has not been quantified in salt finger-driven thermohaline staircases. We recently performed a tracer release experiment in the western tropical Atlantic staircase at approximately 400 m depth. The observed dispersion implies an effective diapycnal diffusivity for tracer and salt of 0.8 to 0.9 x 10(-4) m2/s. Temperature microstructure data interpreted in terms of a vertical production-dissipation balance yields a smaller effective diffusivity for heat of 0.45 (+/- 0.2) x 10(-4) m2/s, consistent with salt fingers and well above the mixing ascribable to mechanical turbulence.
Regulation of human red cell volume by linked cation fluxes.

Osmotic volume perturbations in human red blood cells lead to specific changes in cation fluxes. When the cells are shrunken, influx of both Na and K is increased and efflux of both cations is decreased. Thus, all four fluxes react to the stress in a cooperative sense to cause a net accumulation of cations so that water enters the cell to maintain osmotic equilibrium. Our data show that this process leads to a slow return to normal volume. The linkage observed between the several fluxes cannot be explained on the basis of a simple pump-leak hypothesis, but is consonant with a mechanism of volume regulation mediated by a conformational change in a membrane protein or protein complex.
Synthesis of 14c‐labeled 2,2‐dichloropropionic acid

A widely used herbicide, 2,2-dichloropropionic acid (dalapon), was synthesized with 14C-labeling in the C-1 or C-2 positions. The carboxyl labeled material was prepared in 55% yield by carbonation of 1,1-dichloro-ethyllithium at approximately −104°. Starting with trichloroacetic acid, the C-2 labeled product was prepared in an overall yield of 39% by means of a 4-step reaction sequence which involved the removal of a chlorine atom and the addition of a methyl group.
Palladium(II)-Catalyzed Terpolymerization of Alkane-α,ω-Dinitrite Esters, Alkenes, and Carbon Monoxide to Polysuccinates

Aliphatic polysuccinates in the molecular weight (Mw) range of 1,000−11,000 were produced from alkane-α,ω-dinitrites, alkene, and carbon monoxide using bis(benzonitrile)palladium(II) chloride as a ...
Management of nipple discharge.

In a series of 8,703 breast operations, nipple discharge was the presenting symptom in 7.4% of cases. It is even more common in the office and clinic since many discharges can be treated medically. To be significant, a discharge should be true, spontaneous, persistent, and nonlactational. Of the 7 basic types, i.e., milky, multicolored and sticky, purulent, clear (watery), yellow (serous), pink (serosanguineous), and bloody (sanguineous), the last 4 are the surgically significant ones. Of the 586 patients operated on for one of these types of discharge, the majority had a benign etiology, i.e., intraductal papillomata (48.1%) and fibrocystie changes (32.9%), but 14.3% were due to cancer and another 7.3% to precancerous mastopathy. In the 84 patients with cancers, the false-negative rate for mammography was 9.5% and was 17.8% for cytology. There was no palpable mass in 13.1% of patients. There was an increasing likelihood of the discharge being due to cancer when the discharge was, in order of increasing frequency, yellow, pink, bloody, or watery, when it was accompanied by a lump, when it was unilateral and from a single duct, when the mammogram or galactogram and the cytology were positive, and when the patient was over 50 years of age. Milky discharges are usually treated medically unless they are due to a pituitary adenoma. If the cause cannot be found and eradicated, bromocriptine is the drug of choice. Multicolored sticky discharges are also treated medically, chiefly by nipple hygiene, except when advanced. Purulent discharges are treated with appropriate antibiotics but abscesses need drainage and a biopsy of the wall. Except in women under 35 years of age or in those anxious to have children, surgically significant discharges are treated by central duct excision. Good cosmetic results can be obtained with careful technique and the danger of a recurrent discharge is eliminated.
Amyloid precursor protein modulates the interaction of nerve growth factor with p75 receptor and potentiates its activation of trkA phosphorylation

We have recently shown that the secreted form of amyloid precursor protein (APPs) potentiates the neurotrophic actions of nerve growth factor (NGF). The combined presence of NGF and APPs in low concentrations resulted in a synergistic potentiation of NGF neuritogenic activity on PC12 cells. Therefore, the effect of APPs on NGF receptor-binding has been examined. In the presence of APPs, the apparent affinity of NGF's low affinity binding site increased by a factor of 2.5. In addition, a 2- to 2.5-fold decrease in the number of sites was observed, although APPs did not compete with NGF for the same binding sites. These effects of APPs were not caused by direct interaction with NGF itself. In addition, APPs synergistically potentiated the tyrosine phosphorylation of trkA due to NGF. These results suggest that an increased affinity of p75 for NGF may underlie the potentiation of neurotrophic actions of NGF by APPs, and that increase may be caused by an indirect interaction between APPs and p75.
Nursing leadership and management effects work environments.

Aim The aim of this literature search was to identify recent research related to nursing leadership and management effects on work environment using the 14 forces of magnetism. Background This article gives some historical perspective from the original 1983 American Academy of Nursing study through to the 2002 McClure and Hinshaw update to 2009 publications. Evaluation Research publications were given a priority for references. Key issues The 14 forces of magnetism as identified by Unden and Monarch were: ‘1. Quality of leadership…, 2. Organizational structure…, 3. Management style…, 4. Personnel policies and programs…, 5. Professional models of care…, 6. Quality of care…, 7 Quality improvement…, 8. Consultation and resources…, 9. Autonomy…, 10. Community and the hospital…, 11. Nurse as teacher…, 12. Image of nursing…, 13. Interdisciplinary relationships… and 14. Professional development….’. Conclusions Correlations have been found among positive workplace management initiatives, style of transformational leadership and participative management; patient-to-nurse ratios; education levels of nurses; quality of patient care, patient satisfaction, employee health and well-being programmes; nurse satisfaction and retention of nurses; healthy workplace environments and healthy patients and personnel. Implications for nursing management This article identifies some of the research that provides evidence for evidence-based nursing management and leadership practice.
Clonidine for the Treatment of Supine Hypertension and Pressure Natriuresis in Autonomic Failure

Patients with autonomic failure are disabled by orthostatic hypotension, which can be worsened by the nighttime pressure natriuresis induced by associated supine hypertension. Several pharmacological agents are available that effectively reduce nighttime hypertension, but none of them prevent pressure natriuresis. Because hypertension of autonomic failure can be driven by residual sympathetic tone, we hypothesized that clonidine would be effective in reducing blood pressure (BP) and nocturnal natriuresis. Therefore, we determined the effect of placebo, 0.1 mg clonidine, and 0.1-mg/h nitroglycerin transdermal patch on supine BP, orthostatic hypotension, and pressure natriuresis in 23 patients with primary autonomic failure and supine hypertension. Medications were given at 8:00 PM, and BP was recorded every 2 hours for 12 hours. The maximal decrease in BP was seen 6 to 8 hours after drug administration and was similar to clonidine and nitroglycerin (-29+/-9 and -30+/-10 mm Hg, respectively), as was the average fall in BP throughout the night. However, only clonidine effectively reduced nocturnal natriuresis (-0.09 mmol/mg Cr; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.04; P=0.004), but this was not associated with improvement in morning orthostatic hypotension because of a residual hypotensive effect. The decrease in BP induced by clonidine was modestly but significantly correlated with the magnitude of residual sympathetic tone determined in 10 subjects by the fall in BP induced by ganglionic blockade (r=0.66; P=0.043). These results are consistent with residual sympathetic tone contributing to supine hypertension in autonomic failure, which can be targeted with clonidine to decrease BP and nocturnal natriuresis.
Is methylphenidate a safe and effective treatment for ADHD-like symptoms in children with pervasive developmental disorders?

Children with autistic disorder and related pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) frequently have symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity similar to the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Clinicians often treat these symptoms with methylphenidate (MPH), but historically there are little available data about the use of MPH in children with PDD. The Research Units on Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP) group set out to determine whether MPH is a safe and effective treatment for the ADHD-like symptoms associated with PDD. MPH was found to be superior to placebo in reducing hyperactivity scores on the Aberrant Behavior Checklist. However, there was a lower magnitude of response and a higher incidence of medication discontinuation than previously reported in typically developing children with ADHD. Although MPH seems to be a reasonable choice for the treatment of ADHD-like symptoms in children with PDD, clinicians should consider the findings from the RUPP MPH study before prescr...
Glycosylated hemoglobin and prevalent metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic multiethnic U.S. adults.

Abstract Background: Metabolic syndrome poses a significant risk for cardiovascular disease. Recently, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) has been included in the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. We sought to determine if HbA1c is associated with prevalent metabolic syndrome in nondiabetic U.S. adults. Methods: A total of 9,022 nondiabetic participants of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 1999–2008 (age, 47.5±18.3 years, 51% females) were divided into quintiles (Q) of HbA1c: Q1 (reference), ≤5%; Q2, 5.1%–5.3%; Q3, 5.4%–5.5%; Q4, 5.6%–5.7%; and Q5, ≥5.8%. Modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria were used to identify metabolic syndrome (n=2,821; 31.3%). Unadjusted and adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk of metabolic syndrome. Results: A graded increase in odds of having prevalent metabolic syndrome with increase from each quintile of HbA1c compared to Q1 was observed after adjust...
Arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

Summary Beginning in 1983, the principles of staple capsulorrhaphy of the shoulder utilizing arthroscopic techniques were applied to the treatment of patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability. This paper describes the results of arthroscopic staple capsulorrhaphy of the shoulder in the first 25 consecutive cases in which these techniques were utilized. The patient population includes 4 females and 19 males, 2 of whom underwent bilateral staged procedures. Eleven of the patients had documented recurrent anterior dislocations while the remaining 12 patients were determined to have subluxation of the shoulder. The average age of the patient population was 23 years. Follow-up averaged 36 months. Results were determined by utilizing a strict 100 point rating scale as described by Rowe. Utilizing this scale, 67% of patients achieved good or excellent results. Five patients came to undergo additional surgical procedures. There were no complications of infection or neurovascular injury, but one patient suffered staple impingement upon the humeral head leading to excoriation thereof and secondary pain. An average loss of external rotation of 9°, as compared to the contralateral shoulder, was noted postoperatively.
TCF/LEFs and Wnt Signaling in the Nucleus

T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors are the major end point mediators of Wnt/Wingless signaling throughout metazoans. TCF/LEFs are multifunctional proteins that use their sequence-specific DNA-binding and context-dependent interactions to specify which genes will be regulated by Wnts. Much of the work to define their actions has focused on their ability to repress target gene expression when Wnt signals are absent and to recruit β-catenin to target genes for activation when Wnts are present. Recent advances have highlighted how these on/off actions are regulated by Wnt signals and stabilized β-catenin. In contrast to invertebrates, which typically contain one TCF/LEF protein that can both activate and repress Wnt targets, gene duplication and isoform complexity of the family in vertebrates have led to specialization, in which individual TCF/LEF isoforms have distinct activities.
Accuracy of Length Estimates for Chinook Salmon and Steelhead in Compartmented and Standard Hatchery Raceways

Abstract We used three sampling methods to estimate mean fork lengths and variances for chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha and steelhead O. mykiss that were reared in compartmented and standard raceways. Size segregation of fish in compartmented raceways was also evaluated. Accurate estimates of mean fork length from raceway populations of chinook salmon and steelhead were difficult to obtain. In both compartmented and standard raceways, our sampling methods tended to underestimate the mean. For compartmented raceways, the most accurate estimates of mean fork length were obtained by pooling samples collected from each compartment. In standard raceways, the most accurate estimates of mean fork length were obtained when one net sample was taken after fish were crowded in the raceway. We also found that accurate estimates of fork length variance were difficult to obtain. No sampling method produced accurate estimates more than 67% of the time; therefore, no sampling method was recommended for estimating...
BRIDGING DISCOURSES IN THE ESL CLASSROOM: STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND RESEARCHERS. Pauline Gibbons

BRIDGING DISCOURSES IN THE ESL CLASSROOM: STUDENTS, TEACHERS, AND RESEARCHERS. Pauline Gibbons . New York: Continuum, 2006. Pp. 256. $60.00 paper. In English-speaking countries with large numbers of immigrants, like the United States and Australia, children from non-English-speaking families are very likely to encounter difficulties in learning English and content knowledge simultaneously. In particular, one of the greatest challenges for English as a second language (ESL) children lies in their tendency to use everyday language (i.e., language acquired in informal situations, such as playing) in academic settings. Gibbons' work presents a research project that examines real-life content-based classroom interactions in which ESL children's English and content knowledge learning are facilitated. It makes an invaluable contribution to the effort to help ESL learners make a successful transition from everyday informal language to specialized academic registers.