cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte metallothioneins (MTs) and their neuroprotective role

I have briefly detailed in this review the role of astrocytes in MeHg neurotoxicity, emphasizing the mechanisms and significance of astrocytic swelling in neuropathological conditions. I have also described the functions of brain MTs and have reported recent observations on their propensity to attenuate cytotoxicity. While it is unclear why three different MT genes are expressed in the brain, this redundancy should allow for greater accumulation of MTs under stressful conditions compared to its accumulation if only a single gene was present. Another explanation may be that genes encoding functionally identical MTs might be regulated independently, thus permitting cell-specific MT expression. Finally, each of the three MT isoforms may have distinct functions. As discussed herein, astrocytic MTs afford protection from the acute cytotoxic effects of MeHg, reversing the effect of this organometal on RVD and inhibition of taurine release. Whether other vital cellular functions are protected by MTs will have to await future studies, as will the mechanisms associated with MT-induced cellular protection. That the resistance to heavy metal toxicity is closely related to the cellular ability to synthesize MTs, raises interesting questions regarding the potential involvement of heavy metals in neurodegenerating (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) under conditions of compromised MT synthesis. Future studies on the expression and regulation of MT genes are likely to culminate in novel strategies for manipulating intracellular MT levels, providing insight to their role in both health and disease.
A Reverse Genetic Approach to Test Functional Redundancy During Embryogenesis

Gene function during embryogenesis is typically defined by loss-of-function experiments, for example by targeted mutagenesis (knockout) in the mouse. In the zebrafish model, effective reverse genetic techniques have been developed using microinjection of gene-specific antisense morpholinos. Morpholinos target an mRNA through specific base-pairing and block gene function transiently by inhibiting translation or splicing for several days during embryogenesis (knockdown). However, in vertebrates such as mouse or zebrafish, some gene functions can be obscured by these approaches due to the presence of another gene that compensates for the loss. This is especially true for gene families containing sister genes that are co-expressed in the same developing tissues. In zebrafish, functional compensation can be tested in a relatively high-throughput manner, by co-injection of morpholinos that target knockdown of both genes simultaneously. Likewise, using morpholinos, a genetic interaction between any two genes can be demonstrated by knockdown of both genes together at sub-threshold levels. For example, morpholinos can be titrated such that neither individual knockdown generates a phenotype. If, under these conditions, co-injection of both morpholinos causes a phenotype, a genetic interaction is shown. Here we demonstrate how to show functional redundancy in the context of two related GATA transcription factors. GATA factors are essential for specification of cardiac progenitors, but this is revealed only by the loss of both Gata5 and Gata6. We show how to carry out microinjection experiments, validate the morpholinos, and evaluate the compensated phenotype for cardiogenesis.
Enhancing Preservice Teachers' Understanding of Web-based Scientific Inquiry

This paper describes how the Web-based Inquiry for Learning Science (WBI) instrument was used with preservice elementary and secondary science teachers in science methods courses to enhance their understanding of Webbased scientific inquiry. The WBI instrument is designed to help teachers identify Web-based inquiry activities for learning science and classify those activities along a continuum from learner-directed to materials-directed for each of the five essential features of inquiry as described in Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards (National Research Council, 2000). Recommendations for using the WBI instrument in preservice science methods courses are discussed.
Chemokine mRNA alterations in newborn and adult mouse lung during acute hyperoxia.

Chemokines play a major role in the recruitment of inflammatory cells during acute lung injury. Adult and newborn C57BL/6 mice were exposed to >95% oxygen for up to 72 hours and 7 days, respectively. Chemokine mRNA abundance was evaluated in whole lung RNA by ribonuclease protection assay and in tissue sections by in situ hybridization. Monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2, and interferon γ-induced protein (IP)-10 mRNAs were present in whole newborn lung by 4 days of hyperoxia and were markedly elevated by 7 days. Levels of mRNA for MCP-1, MIP-1α, and MIP-2 were elevated to a lesser extent by 72 hours of hyperoxia in adults. MCP-1 mRNA abundance was moderately elevated in scattered areas of perivascular tissue, peribronchiolar tissue, and the alveolar interstitium in 4-day hyperoxic newborns and markedly upregulated diffusely throughout the peripheral airspaces in 7-day hyperoxic newborns. MCP-1 mRNA abundance was limited to scattered perivascular areas and air...
Use of Nepheline Syenite Tailings in Sewer‐Pipe Bodies

Small additions of ground nepheline syenite tailings were incorporated into various sewer-pipe bodies. The lost-cost tailings contained 2 to 3% Fe2O3 and significantly improved the physical properties of the sewer-pipe bodies.
In vitro model to evaluate the relative efficacy of catheter—directed thrombolytic strategies

Rationale and Objectives. Catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy has become an accepted treatment for many vascular occlusions. However, the relative rates of lysis of the different methods of drug administration have not been quantified. We developed an in vitro model to simulate and quantify local lytic therapy of a thrombotic vascular occlusion and tested it by evaluating three catheter-directed lytic strategies. Methods. Seven-centimeter—long segments of 125I-fibrinogen—labeled thrombus made from recently expired human blood from a blood bank were formed in plastic tubes and were placed in a flowing stream of saline. Using multisidehole catheters, the clots were “treated” with intrathrombic saline or urokinase administered by drip infusion or forced injection using identical total doses of drug and volumes of fluid. Using endhole catheters, saline or urokinase was drip infused into the leading edge of the thrombus using the same protocol. A collimated scintillation detector was used to quantify the amount of activity remaining in the thrombus during each experiment, and the resultant time—activity curves for the different trials were compared. Results. Forced-injection administration of urokinase using a multisidehole catheter produced the fastest lysis, resulting in a half-life of 42 min. The other infusion methods were slower, with half-lives of 153 min for multisidehole urokinase drip infusion, 365 min for endhole urokinase drip infusion, and more than 1,000 min for multisidehole catheter forced injection of saline and multisidehole and endhole saline drip infusion. The differences among these groups were reproducible and statistically significant. Conclusion. Results suggest that a simple and inexpensive in vitro model simulating lysis of a vascular occlusion can produce reproducible quantitative data. The data demonstrate that forced injection of lytic agents with a multisidehole catheter enhances the rate of thrombolysis and that the enhancement is not primarily attributable to the mechanical effect of this mode of administration.
Impedance-based response of an electrolytic gas bubble to pressure in microfluidic channels

Abstract In this paper we have electrically measured the response of electrolytic gas bubbles to varying pressures in a microfluidic channel. Impedance measurements were used to monitor either the volume or volume change of an electrolytic bubble. Experimental results show that both the bubble size and bubble dissolution rate are sensitive to the applied pressure, and can be readily measured in the fluidic channel. The bubble response to pressures ranging from 101.3 (1 atm) to 112.7 kPa was characterized. Various surface wettabilities were tested, and results show that in a microfluidic channel surface-free energies at the solid–liquid–gas interfaces play an important role in the measured response. Results provide an electrical measurement approach towards pressure or flow rate sensing in microfluidic systems using electrolytic gas bubbles.
An evaluation of predictive factors for CD34+ cell harvest yields from patients mobilized with chemotherapy and growth factors.

BACKGROUND : Accurately predicting the outcomes of peripheral blood stem cell harvests is important because unproductive collections are expensive and subject the donor to unnecessary toxicity. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS : Predictive factors for stem cell mobilization and collection by a retrospective review of 104 consecutive donors were evaluated. RESULTS : Of several previously suggested measures, the peripheral CD34+ cell concentration on the day of harvest (pCD34 DH ) correlated best with total numbers of CD34+ collected (r = 0.88). This was followed by the pCD34 on the day before harvest (pCD34 Day –1 ) (r = 0.74). The peripheral WBC count on the day of harvest (pWBC) was inferior (r = 0.39). When ratios of potential predictive factors divided by the previous day's value were examined, pWBC ratio was found to be a significant independent predictive factor for cells collected (r = 0.45). Furthermore, the predictive value of both the pCD34 Day –1 and the pWBC can be improved by combining with the pWBC ratio. To examine whether the chosen collection starting days were optimal, serial pCD34 obtained daily during the harvest procedures was examined. Poorly mobilizing donors, who required several days of collection, did not reach maximal harvest yields until the fourth collection day. CONCLUSIONS : pCD34 DH is the optimal predictive factor for harvest yields. If pCD34 DH is not available, pCD34 Day –1 or pWBC combined with the pWBC ratio may offer the best prediction of harvest outcomes. The best harvest yields on poorly mobilizing donors occur 3 to 4 days after the usual collection starting times.
Inferences, affects, and intentions in a model of paranoia ☆

Abstract Models of psychopathologies can be construed as modifications to the normal purposive behavior of an organism. The particular elements of purposive behavior to be emphasized here are (1) deriving facts about the environment (inferences), (2) attending to the self's needs, desires, and interests (affects), and (3) choosing directions and goals to fulfill these interests (intentions). A series of processes in a model of paranoia which performs these tasks will be described. We also describe the modifications made by the paranoid processes to the normal processes. A computer simulation has been constructed to test the model.
Ultrastructural localization of G-protein GS in the lateral wall of the guinea pig cochlear duct

Abstract Immunocytochemical localization of a GTP-binding protein G S , in the various cells of the lateral wall of guinea pig cochlear duct was investigated using a post-embedding immunogold method with antibody raised against a synthetic decapeptide (RMHLRQYELL) encoding the C-terminus of the α-subunit of G S . In the stria vascularis, labeling was observed on the basolateral membrane infoldings of marginal cells, on the juxtaposed membrane of intermediate cells, and on the cell membrane of basal cell. In contrast, no significant labeling was observed on the luminal membrane of marginal cells. Immunoreactivity also was detected on the cell membranes of various other cells. These include spiral prominence epithelial cells, fibrocytes of spiral ligament, external sulcus cells, and epithelial and mesothelial cells of Reissner's membrane. Adenylylcyclase has been functionally implicated in some of the cell types with membranes labeled in this study. The significance of these findings is briefly discussed.
Identification and genetic control of two rabbit high-density lipoprotein allotypes.

Rabbits were immunized with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) isolated from the serum of other rabbits by ultracentrifugation and gel filtration. Two different precipitating antibodies were elicited which distinguished two antigenically different genetic variants, i.e., allotypes, of HDL. The allotypes were identified as HDL based on the observation that on immunoelectrophoresis the antigen-antibody precipitate formed by the reaction of each of the antiallotype antisera with electrophoresed rabbit serum appeared electrophoretically in the α1 region and reacted with Sudan black and with β-naphthyl acetate. In addition, the precipitin bands formed by the reaction of each antiallotype antiserum with a normal rabbit serum coalesced with the precipitin band formed by the reaction of goat anti-HDL with the same normal rabbit serum. The inheritance of the two allotypes is controlled by a pair of allelic genes, as shown by genetic studies of 312 progeny from 83 rabbit families. This HDL locus, designatedLhj, was shown not to be linked to theLpq locus of low-density lipoprotein nor to any of five other loci controlling allotypic specificities of different rabbit serum proteins. The use of these allotypes for studying the structure and biosynthesis of HDL is discussed.
Atlantic hurricane trends linked to climate change

Increases in key measures of Atlantic hurricane activity over recent decades are believed to reflect, in large part, contemporaneous increases in tropical Atlantic warmth [e.g., Emanuel, 2005]. Some recent studies [e.g., Goldenberg et al., 2001] have attributed these increases to a natural climate cycle termed the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), while other studies suggest that climate change may instead be playing the dominant role [Emanuel, 2005; Webster et al., 2005]. Using a formal statistical analysis to separate the estimated influences of anthropogenic climate change from possible natural cyclical influences, this article presents results indicating that anthropogenic factors are likely responsible for long-term trends in tropical Atlantic warmth and tropical cyclone activity. In addition, this analysis indicates that late twentieth century tropospheric aerosol cooling has offset a substantial fraction of anthropogenic warming in the region and has thus likely suppressed even greater potential increases in tropical cyclone activity.
Structural Displacements in Normal Swallowing: A Videofluoroscopic Study

Dynamic videofluoroscopic swallow studies were performed on 60 normal adult volunteers to establish normative data for displacement of upper aerodigestive tract structures during deglutition. Variables evaluated included hyoid bone displacement, larynx-to-hyoid bone approximation, pharyngeal constriction, and the extent of pharyngoesophageal sphincter (PES) opening during liquid swallows of 1, 3, and 20 cc. Results showed direct relationships between bolus size and hyoid displacement, between bolus size and PES opening, and between bolus size and pharyngeal constriction. Only hyoid-to-larynx approximation remained unchanged across bolus sizes. Sex differences were noted for all variables except PES opening. Reliability for most measurement variables was excellent. To our knowledge, normative data for pharyngeal constriction and larynx-to-hyoid approximation have not previously been described.
A Critical Role for the TIFY Motif in Repression of Jasmonate Signaling by a Stabilized Splice Variant of the JASMONATE ZIM-Domain Protein JAZ10 in Arabidopsis

JASMONATE ZIM-domain (JAZ) proteins act as repressors of jasmonate (JA) signaling. Perception of bioactive JAs by the F-box protein CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) causes degradation of JAZs via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, which in turn activates the expression of genes involved in plant growth, development, and defense. JAZ proteins contain two highly conserved sequence regions: the Jas domain that interacts with COI1 to destabilize the repressor and the ZIM domain of unknown function. Here, we show that the conserved TIFY motif (TIFF/YXG) within the ZIM domain mediates homo- and heteromeric interactions between most Arabidopsis thaliana JAZs. We have also identified an alternatively spliced form (JAZ10.4) of JAZ10 that lacks the Jas domain and, as a consequence, is highly resistant to JA-induced degradation. Strong JA-insensitive phenotypes conferred by overexpression of JAZ10.4 were suppressed by mutations in the TIFY motif that block JAZ10.4-JAZ interactions. We conclude that JAZ10.4 functions to attenuate signal output in the presence of JA and further suggest that the dominant-negative action of this splice variant involves protein-protein interaction through the ZIM/TIFY domain. The ability of JAZ10.4 to interact with MYC2 is consistent with a model in which a JAZ10.4-containing protein complex directly represses the activity of transcription factors that promote expression of JA response genes.
Coming in from the Cold: Grenada and Cuba since 1983

Abstract The Grenada Revolution’s radical course was stamped by the bold turn to Cuba in April 1979. Cuban commitment to Maurice Bishop’s regime was crucial to its consolidation. In 1983 counter-revolution and invasion ruptured Grenada–Cuba ties and damaged Havana’s relations with Caribbean Community states. Since the demise of the Cold War, Havana’s survival strategy has prioritised regional integration and cooperation in the Americas. In the Anglophone Caribbean, Grenada has been at the centre of this rapprochement since 1993. Despite Washington’s disapproval, Grenada champions expanded ties with socialist Cuba. The rekindled alliance brings tangible mutual benefits and validates the strategy of South–South cooperation advocated by Maurice Bishop’s People’s Revolutionary Government and New Jewel Movement.
Load History Effects Resulting from Compression Precracking

Compression precracking (CPC) has seen renewed interest as a possible alternative procedure for generating fatigue crack growth threshold data with minimal load history effects, but recent testing confirms results from the literature that compression precracking does induce load history effects through residual stresses that influence subsequent fatigue crack growth test data. Using the CPC method, specimens are precracked with both maximum and minimum compressive loads. Compressive yielding occurs at the crack-starter notch, resulting in a local tensile residual stress field through which the fatigue crack must propagate. Although the tensile residual stress field contributes to the driving force for precracking, it also introduces the possibility of history effects that may affect subsequent fatigue crack growth. The tensile residual stress field elevates the local driving force at the crack tip, promoting higher crack growth rates than would be expected from the applied loading. This paper presents three-dimensional finite element results and experimental data for compact tension specimens that characterize the load history effects induced by compression precracking. The analysis results indicate that for low tensile loading levels near the threshold region, the residual stresses cause the calculated crack tip driving force to increase from the applied driving force by 25% or more. In addition, significant crack growth of about two times the estimated plastic zone size is needed to grow away from the residual stress field and reduce the calculated crack tip driving force to within 5% of the applied driving force. Experimental results show that growth of about two to three times the estimated plastic zone size is necessary to establish steady growth rates under constant ΔK loading for the materials and loading levels evaluated. Constant ΔK testing following compression precracking will demonstrate when residual stress effects are no longer significant and will ensure consistent growth rates.
Clinical and hemodynamic diagnosis of pulmonary venous obstruction due to sclerosing mediastinitis

Abstract A young woman was admitted to this hospital because of dyspnea, easy fatigability, hemoptysis, orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. Cardiac catheterization revealed an elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure and a normal left atrial pressure, suggesting an obstruction to blood flow at the level of the pulmonary veins. Postmortem examination confirmed this diagnosis. The clinical differentiation of pulmonary hypertension due to pulmonary venoocclusive disease from pulmonary hypertension due to structural changes in the pulmonary vasculature or mitral valve disease is attempted.
Psychological response to exercise training and/or energy restriction in obese women

Objective: The effect of 12 weeks of exercise training (five 45-minute walking sessions/week at 60% to 75% maximum heart rate) and/or moderate energy restriction (4.19 to 5.44 MJ or 1200 to 1300 kcal/day) on psychological general well-being (GWB) and profile of mood states (POMS) was studied in obese women (n = 91, age 45.6 ± 1.1 years, body mass index 33.1 ± 0.6 kg/m2). Methods: Subjects were randomized to one of four groups: control (C); exercise (E); diet (D); and exercise and diet (ED). Psychological variables were measured in all subjects at three timepoints—prestudy, 3 weeks, and poststudy—and analyzed using a 4 × 3 repeated measures design. Results: GWB but not POMS was improved in ED (but not E or D) relative to C poststudy, especially in four of six subscales: freedom from health concern or worry, life satisfaction; cheerful versus depressed mood; and relaxed versus tense feelings. Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the combination of moderate energy restriction and exercise training during a 12-week period improves psychological general well-being scores but not mood states in obese subjects.
Copper deficiency depresses rat aortae superoxide dismutase activity and prostacyclin synthesis.

Abstract Prostaglandin synthesis shows dependance on lipid hydroperoxides and resultant oxygen derived radical formation. In view of the importance of dietary copper in cytosolic copper dependant superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) activity and the role of SOD in oxygen radical formation, the influence of dietary copper on prostacylin (PGI 2 ) synthesis and SOD activity in rat aorta was examined. Copper deficient (0.5 μg Cu/g diet) rats showed a significant 47% reduction in PGI 2 synthesis rates by aortic ring incubations in comparison to copper adequate (6.0 μg Cu/g diet) animals. Aortic SOD activity was reduced by 46% in copper deficiency in comparison to copper adequate animals. Marginal dietary copper (1.6 μg Cu/g diet) significantly reduced aortic SOD activity by 32% but was without effect on aortic ring incubation PGI 2 synthesis. These results indicate that dietary copper deficiency, and the resultant decrease in SOD activity, depresses aortic PGI 2 synthesis.
COMBINATORIAL DESIGNS AND RELATED SYSTEMS

Abstract : The incidence matrix A of a (v,k,lambda)-design satisfies A(A superscript T) + (k - lambda)I + lambda J, where (A superscript T) denotes the transpose of A. The matrix I is the identity matrix and the matrix J is the matrix of 1's. This equation occurs repeatedly in one form or another throughout the literature on combinatorial designs. In the present paper we alter the left side of the equation drastically and investigate XY = (k - lambda)I + lambda J, where X and Y are nonnegative integral matrices of sizes n by m and m by n, respectively. We take n > 1 and k not equal to lambda. The new equation is still open to a purely set theoretic interpretation. (Author)
Existence of a Slow Manifold in a Model System of Equations

Abstract A model system of equations proposed by Lorenz and Krishnamurthy is analyzed. The Hartman-Grobman theorem is employed to prove that the equations of the model admit a slow manifold devoid of gravity-wave activity, and the theory of normal forms is used to construct the manifold and to determine when the manifold is stable. The study disproves a conjecture by Lorenz and Krishnamurthy that a slow manifold does not exist for their model.
Spin-trapping free radicals in the autooxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine

Abstract Utilizing the spin-trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline- N -oxide, and we h ave demonstrated that hydroxyl free radicals are produced during the alkaline (pH 11.5) autooxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine. The amount of trapped hydroxyl free radical is essentially a linear function of the initial 6-hydroxydopamine concentration up to 2 mM. The iron chelators, diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid and deferoxamine, considerably reduced the amount of trapped hydroxyl free radical. Catalase and superoxide dismutase were also effective in reducing the amount of hydroxyl free radical spin trapped. Oxygen was absolutely essential for autooxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine and also for formation of the hydroxyl free radical. The semiquinone free radical of 6-hydroxydopamine was present to a small extent in the absence of oxygen. Deferoxamine was effective in lowering the amount of semiquinone radical formed anaerobically, thus suggesting iron was in part responsible for oxidation of 6-hydroxydopamine. The semiquinone free radical yielded an electron spin resonance spectrum characterized by the free electron coupling to four protons having the following coupling constants: H 1 ≈ H 2 = 2.95 gauss, H 3 ≈ 1.1 gauss and H 4 ≈ 0.6 gauss.
The Structure of the Lexicon: Evidence from German Gender Assignment

Data from language acquisition, psycholinguistics, and diachronic studies have all shown that the lexicon has a clear internal structure, which includes relationships among lexical items based on phonetic and phonological characteristics, semantic features, morphology, and frequency of use. In the absence, however, of direct evidence from grammar, such lexical structure has even recently been deemed irrelevant to linguistic theory. In this paper, I use evidence from German grammar, specifically gender assignment, to support a model of lexical structure like that proposed particularly within Natural Morphology. German gender assignment has been shown to be largely predictable on the basis of phonological shape (e.g. final and initial segments or clusters), semantic features, and morphological features — all factors considered to be part of the lexicon's internal structure by Bybee and others. In this way gender assignment reflects lexical structure. Moreover, frequently used vocabulary tends to violate such rules, as Bybee's view of lexical structure would predict. By so doing, German grammar exploits almost exactly the structure of the lexicon which has been proposed based on data from areas other than grammar in its narrow sense.
Education and occupational mobility

Abstract This paper analyzes the effect of education on different types of occupational mobility. The focus of the analysis is on “career mobility”, an upward occupational mobility along a series of occupations that forms a worker's career. More educated workers are less likely, on average, to change occupation due to larger amounts of occupational specific investment and also because their careers involve a fewer number of distinct occupations. Within the same occupation of origin, however, more educated workers are more likely to move to a higher level occupation, within the firm (promotion) or across firms. In those occupations where the effect of schooling on wages is lower, schooling has a stronger effect on the likelihood of moving to a higher level occupation.
Baldrige winners link quality, strategy, and financial management

The Fifth Annual Total Quality Conference presented this Spring by the Unified Technologies Center of Cleveland featured some of the most influential contributors to the theory and practice of quality management as well as representatives from each of the 1991 Baldrige Award winners.
Random-coil behavior and the dimensions of chemically unfolded proteins

Spectroscopic studies have identified a number of proteins that appear to retain significant residual structure under even strongly denaturing conditions. Intrinsic viscosity, hydrodynamic radii, and small-angle x-ray scattering studies, in contrast, indicate that the dimensions of most chemically denatured proteins scale with polypeptide length by means of the power-law relationship expected for random-coil behavior. Here we further explore this discrepancy by expanding the length range of characterized denatured-state radii of gyration (RG) and by reexamining proteins that reportedly do not fit the expected dimensional scaling. We find that only 2 of 28 crosslink-free, prosthetic-group-free, chemically denatured polypeptides deviate significantly from a power-law relationship with polymer length. The RG of the remaining 26 polypeptides, which range from 16 to 549 residues, are well fitted (r2 = 0.988) by a power-law relationship with a best-fit exponent, 0.598 ± 0.028, coinciding closely with the 0.588 predicted for an excluded volume random coil. Therefore, it appears that the mean dimensions of the large majority of chemically denatured proteins are effectively indistinguishable from the mean dimensions of a random-coil ensemble.
Optical rotatory dispersion of mucopolysaccharides. IV. Optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of glycosaminoglycans and heparan sulfate fractions from the urine of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (Hurler syndrome).

Abstract Genetic defects in the Hurler syndrome lead to the excessive accumulation of dermatan and heparan sulfate in many tissues and to the increase in excretion of these compounds in the urine. Patients exhibit mental detorioration, dwarfism, hepatosplenomegaly, corneal opacities and skeletal deformities. Acid mucopolysaccarides derived from the urine of heparan sulfate excretors (the Sanfilippo variant) and from mixed, dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate excretors (the Hurler variant) were investigated. Molecular weight distributions by gel filtration and carbazole-orcinol (C/O) reactivities of the samples gave an average molecular weight of about one-third of normal for the Sanfilippo heparan sulfate which could be further separated into two fractions differing in molecular weight, sulfate content and primary structure. Optical absorption and rotary properties (from 250 to 185 mμ) of these glycosaminoglycans were studied to examine the conformational features of the accumulating substances. The results for the Sanfilippo heparan sulfate fractions indicate that two distinct heparin sulfates accumulate in this genetic defect, one with conformational structure essentially like that found in normal tissue but low in O-sulfate, and the other with heparin-like conformation and high N-sulfate content. The ultraviolet optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism of dermatan sulfate are greatly different from that of heparan sulfate, providing an optical method of distinguishing among Sanfilippo and other Hurler variants.
In situ measurement of flyheight variations in magnetic storage devices through the use of sample margin signal processing techniques

An analysis technique that characterizes magnetic disk drives that use sampling detectors has been developed. This test scheme is analogous to the window margin test for drives that use peak detect channels. The test methodology is called sample margin testing. As with window margin testing, this scheme can be used as a short cut to error-rate testing in development and manufacturing environments. Due to the simplicity of digital compared to analog signal processing, sample margin data can be obtained in situ for an operating disk file. The sample margin data are periodically taken and compared to previous measurements to determine projected changes in error rate. Recording anomalies, like magnetic erasers and increasing flyheight, cause error-rate degradation and a corresponding decrease in the sample margin over time. This scheme can be used to monitor these physical changes. The use of this technique as an in situ monitor of mechanical disk file parameters is described. >
Excitation energies, hyperfine constants, E1, E2, and M1 transition rates, and lifetimes of 6s^2nl states in Tl I and Pb II (9 pages)

Energies of $6{s}^{2}n{p}_{j}$ $(n=6--9)$, $6{s}^{2}n{s}_{1∕2}$ $(n=7--9)$, $6{s}^{2}n{d}_{j}$ $(n=6--8)$, and $6{s}^{2}n{f}_{5∕2}$ $(n=5--6)$ states in $\mathrm{Tl}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}I$ and $\mathrm{Pb}\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}II$ are obtained using relativistic many-body perturbation theory. Reduced matrix elements, oscillator strengths, transition rates, and lifetimes are determined for the 72 possible $6{s}^{2}n{l}_{j}\text{\ensuremath{-}}6{s}^{2}{n}^{\ensuremath{'}}{l}_{{j}^{\ensuremath{'}}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ electric-dipole transitions. Electric-quadrupole and magnetic-dipole matrix elements are evaluated to obtain $6{s}^{2}n{p}_{3∕2}\text{\ensuremath{-}}6{s}^{2}m{p}_{1∕2}$ $(n,m=6,7)$ transition rates. Hyperfine constants $A$ are evaluated for $6{s}^{2}n{p}_{j}$ $(n=6--9)$, $6{s}^{2}n{s}_{1∕2}$ $(n=7--9)$, and $6{s}^{2}n{d}_{j}$ $(n=6--8)$ states in $^{205}\mathrm{Tl}$. First-, second-, third-, and all-order corrections to the energies and matrix elements and first- and second-order Breit corrections to energies are calculated. In our implementation of the all-order method, single and double excitations of Dirac-Fock wave functions are included to all orders in perturbation theory. These calculations provide a theoretical benchmark for comparison with experiment and theory.
Effect of heat treatment temperature (HTT) on density, weight and volume of glass-like carbon (GC)

Room temperature measurements have been made of the density, weight and linear dimensions of glass-like carbon (GC) that was heat treated in the temperature range of 1000 to 2700‡ C for three hours in inert gas atmosphere. The density of GC decreased with increase in heat treatment temperature (HTT), reaching a maximum decrease of 12.4% at 2700‡ C; and the weight loss increased with increasing temperature to a maximum of about 1.9%. The volume increased and showed a quadratic dependence on the HTT, reaching a maximum value of about 10.2%. Subsequent application of hydrostatic pressures up to 1551 MPa (225 000 psi) produced only a small increase in bulk density. It is concluded that the weight loss is not the major cause of the density decrease, instead the volume expansion of pores is mainly responsible for this behaviour. The weight loss is suggested to be due to the release of the last vestiges of hydrogen and the volume expansion is shown to be due to two different mechanisms operating in different temperature regimes. A gas pressure mechanism is predominant up to the HTT of 1600‡ C and at greater HTT thermal stress mechanism predominates. The irreversibility of the dimensional change is proposed to be due to the ratchet-like [1] nature of microstructure that is developed during heating of the GC.
Changes in Rat Adrenal Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione Following Hypophysectomy and ACTH Stimulation1

The effect of hypophysectomy and ACTH stimulation on the concentration and state of oxidation of rat adrenal ascorbic acid and glutathione has been investigated, employing specific, sensitive enzymic procedures. No detectable level of either of the oxidized forms, dehydroascorbic acid or oxidized glutathione, was observed in adrenals from normal, hypophysectomized or ACTHstimulated animals. The concentration of glutathione in adrenals from 24-hr hypophysectomized rats was 1.12 μg/mg wet tissue. Longer periods after hypophysectomy resulted in a gradual fall in concentration of both glutathione and ascorbic acid. However, with maximal ACTH stimulation, ascorbic acid concentration dropped more than 50% while glutathione remained unchanged. The relationship of ascorbic acid and glutathione to the major systems controlling their state of oxidation is discussed.
Relating goal orientation to self-regulatory processes: A longitudinal field test

This longitudinal field study examined the relationship between goal orientation and self-regulatory processes in an achievement context. Data was obtained from 132 students over a 10 week period. Results indicated that: (a) learning goal orientation was positively related to how much resources participants allocated to their goals and the degree to which they engaged in cognitive self-regulation, (b) performance-avoid goal orientation was negatively related to cognitive self-regulation, (c) participants engaged in motivational processes aimed at lowering their goals when presented feedback that indicated their performance was below their intentions, and (d) downward goal revision was a function of learning goal and performance-avoid goal orientations. Measurement issues and directions for future research on the goal orientation construct are discussed.
Absence of truncating BRIP1 mutations in chromosome 17q-linked hereditary prostate cancer families.

Absence of truncating BRIP1 mutations in chromosome 17q-linked hereditary prostate cancer families
Behavioral Objects and Layered Services: The Aplication Programming Style in the Harness Metacomputing Sytem

Recent advances in hardware and networking have fueled the interest in distributed computing in general and in metacomputing frameworks in particular. Harness is an experimental metacomputing system based upon the principle of dynamic reconfigurability both in terms of the computers and networks that comprise the virtual machine, and in the services offered by the virtual machine itself. In this paper we describe how the capability to reconfigure the virtual machine plugging services on demand can be exploited to design dynamically reconfigurable applications based on behavioral objects and cooperating layered services.
Use of Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapies by Patients Referred to a Fibromyalgia Treatment Program at a Tertiary Care Center

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the frequency and pattern of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients referred to a fibromyalgia treatment program at a tertiary care center. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients referred to the Mayo Fibromyalgia Treatment Program between February 2003 and July 2003 were invited on their initial visit to participate in a survey regarding CAM use during the previous 6 months. An 85-question survey that addressed different CAM domains was used. RESULTS Of the 304 patients invited to participate, 289 (95%) completed the survey (263 women and 26 men). Ninety-eight percent of the patients had used some type of CAM therapy during the previous 6 months. The 10 most frequently used CAM treatments were exercise for a specific medical problem (48%), spiritual healing (prayers) (45%), massage therapy (44%), chiropractic treatments (37%), vitamin C (35%), vitamin E (31%), magnesium (29%), vitamin B complex (25%), green tea (24%), and weight-loss programs (20%). CONCLUSION CAM use is common in patients referred to a fibromyalgia treatment program.
One‐Dimensional Model of Shallow‐Mantle Convection

One of the models proposed for mantle convection is a counterflow in the asthenosphere to balance the motion of the lithospheric plates. An analysis of this hypothesis has been made, using a model in which the variables depend only on depth. Velocity and temperature profiles are coupled by a temperature- and depth-dependent viscosity. The velocity of the crustal plate and the actual viscosity function are the only inputs to the model. Pressure must increase with distance from the ridge for there to be a return flow at depth and no net mass flow across a vertical section. Horizontal pressure gradients between about 0.1 and 1.0 b/km and shear stresses at the crustal plate between 0.1 and 0.4 kb have been obtained for wide variations in the plate velocity and the viscosity function. However, for these same examples, the surface heat flux is remarkably insensitive to parameter variations; it is between about 0.2 and 0.3 μcal/cm2 sec. Heating by viscous dissipation provides a self-lubricating mechanism. The higher the plate speed, the lower is the drag on the plate.
Manual praxis in stone tool manufacture: implications for language evolution.

Abstract Alternative functions of the left-hemisphere dominant Broca’s region have induced hypotheses regarding the evolutionary parallels between manual praxis and language in humans. Many recent studies on Broca’s area reveal several assumptions about the cognitive mechanisms that underlie both functions, including: (1) an accurate, finely controlled body schema, (2) increasing syntactical abilities, particularly for goal-oriented actions, and (3) bilaterality and fronto-parietal connectivity. Although these characteristics are supported by experimental paradigms, many researchers have failed to acknowledge a major line of evidence for the evolutionary development of these traits: stone tools. The neuroscience of stone tool manufacture is a viable proxy for understanding evolutionary aspects of manual praxis and language, and may provide key information for evaluating competing hypotheses on the co-evolution of these cognitive domains in our species.
Reply: A new case of chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) with initial normal magnetic resonance imaging

Sir, We thank Dr Taieb and colleagues for bringing this highly interesting patient to our attention. Certainly this patient shared some of the characteristic features presented in our series of patients with CLIPPPERS, in particular the punctate enhancement within …
Concise Review: Vascular Stem Cells and Tumor Angiogenesis

Solid tumors are complex “organs” of cancer cells and a heterogeneous population of hematopoietic cells, mesenchymal cells, and endothelial cells. The cancer stem cell model proposes that tumor growth and progression is driven by rare populations of cancer stem cells; however, nontumor-forming stem and progenitor cells are also present within the tumor microenvironment. These adult stem cells do not form tumors when injected into experimental animals, but they may augment tumor growth through juxtacrine and paracrine regulation of tumor cells and by contributing to neovascularization. Thus, cancer cells may actively co-opt nontumor-forming stem cells distally from the bone marrow or proximally from nearby tissue and subvert their abilities to differentiate and maintain tissue growth, repair, and angiogenesis. This review will cover the roles of nontumor-forming vascular stem cells in tumor growth and angiogenesis. Stem Cells 2011;29:163–168
Dynamic Tuning of T Cell Reactivity by Self-Peptide–Major Histocompatibility Complex Ligands

Intrathymic self-peptide–major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC) molecules shape the T cell repertoire through positive and negative selection of immature CD4+CD8+ thymocytes. By analyzing the development of MHC class II–restricted T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic T cells under conditions in which the endogenous peptide repertoire is altered, we show that self-peptide–MHC complexes are also involved in setting T cell activation thresholds. This occurs through changes in the expression level of molecules on thymocytes that influence the sensitivity of TCR signaling. Our results suggest that the endogenous peptide repertoire modulates T cell responsiveness in the thymus in order to enforce tolerance to self-antigens.
Optimal control of innate immune response

Treatment of a pathogenic disease process is interpreted as the optimal control of a dynamic system. Evolution of the disease is characterized by a non-linear, fourth-order ordinary differential equation that describes concentrations of pathogens, plasma cells, and antibodies, as well as a numerical indication of patient health. Without control, the dynamic model evidences sub-clinical or clinical decay, chronic stabilization, or unrestrained lethal growth of the pathogen, depending on the initial conditions for the infection. The dynamic equations are controlled by therapeutic agents that affect the rate of change of system variables. Control histories that minimize a quadratic cost function are generated by numerical optimization over a fixed time interval, given otherwise lethal initial conditions. Tradeoffs between cost function weighting of pathogens, organ health, and use of therapeutics are evaluated. Optimal control solutions that defeat the pathogen and preserve organ health are demonstrated for four different approaches to therapy. It is shown that control theory can point the way toward new protocols for treatment and remediation of human diseases. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intercultural Marriage and Family: Beyond the Racial Divide

Intercultural marriages have emerged as a central theme in discussion, not only among helping professionals but also the general public. Issues surrounding these conversations involve areas such as race, ethnicity, culture, and religion. The racial divide certainly permeates the thinking of many individuals as it affects couples and families. This article focuses on trends in intercultural marriages and how these relationships influence dynamics among families and the development of children and adolescents. Stages of acceptance toward intermarriages beyond the racial divide and empowerment traits for interracial marriages and family are introduced.
The Implementation of a Clinical Toolkit and Adolescent Depression Screening Program in Primary Care

Problem/Background. Adolescent depression is a growing problem for today’s society with only 30% receiving services. Aim and Methods. The aim of this project was to increase identification and treatment of depressed adolescents, and comfort levels of primary care providers with the implementation of a depression-screening program and use of a clinical depression toolkit within a primary care setting. Setting. The setting was a private pediatric practice in central Maine. Results. Over an 8-week period, 266 adolescents were screened. Twelve adolescents (4.5%) received a diagnosis of depression and 11 received treatment within 8 days. Survey results showed a significant increase in providers’ feelings of comfort and accountability. Conclusion. This project demonstrates that it is feasible to implement a depression screening and treatment program in primary care. It demonstrates that primary care providers can increase their comfort and feelings accountability in treating depression in primary care, thus inc...
Person tracking on a mobile robot with heterogeneous inter-characteristic feedback

For a mobile robot that interacts with humans such as a home assistant or a tour guide robot, tracking a particular person among multiple persons is a fundamental, yet challenging task. Uniquely identifying characteristics such as a person's face, may not be visible consistently enough to be used as the sole form of identification. Rather, it may be useful to also track more frequently visible, but perhaps less uniquely identifying characteristics such as a person's clothes. After learning various characteristics of a person, the tracking system is required to autonomously update itself with additional training data, since the learned features may change over space and time due to the mobile nature of the robot. In this paper, we introduce a novel algorithm for merging multiple, heterogeneous sub-classifiers designed to track and associate different characteristics of a person being tracked. These heterogeneous classifiers give feedback to each other by identifying additional online training data for one another, thus improving the performance of each classifier and the accuracy of the overall system. Our algorithm has been fully implemented and tested on a Segway base.