cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Survival of transvenous ICD leads in young patients.

Background: In adults, transvenous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead failure rates are significant, and their occurrence increases with time from implant. There are limited data in children. The goal of this study was to assess lead survival in young patients undergoing ICD implantation at a single center. Methods: Records of patients under 21 years old with transvenous ICD leads implanted at our center from June 1997 to August 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, weight, height, diagnosis, lead and generator model, venous access technique, generator position, pacing thresholds, lead impedance, and R wave size were recorded. “Lead failure” was defined as any lead problem requiring surgical intervention to restore proper function to the ICD system. Results: Seventy-one transvenous leads were included (70 patients). Average age at implant was 14.8 years (range 5.7–19.5). All the devices were implanted by a single operator (HMS). Venous access was obtained via cephalic cutdown in 66/71. Mean follow-up time was 2.8 years (range 0.2–7.8 years, median 2.3 years). There were no infections requiring explantation. There were four lead failures. Three were lead fractures, occurring 12, 13, and 19 months after implant. The fourth lead failed when an arrhythmia was not appropriately detected, and a second dedicated rate-sensing lead was thus implanted. Univariate analysis did not identify any variable to be a significant predictor of lead failure. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated 5-year lead survival at 89.6%. Conclusions: ICD lead survival in children, when performed by an experienced operator, is similar to that found in adults. (PACE 2010; 33:186–191)
Recent results on how aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetases recognize specific transfer RNAs.

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases discriminate between tRNA species by a highly specific mechanism. Physical and chemical studies indicate that the synthetases bind along and around the inside of the three-dimensional L-shaped tRNA structure. Studies of mutant tRNAs that affect synthetase interaction tend to confirm this conclusion. However, in contrast to proteins that recognize a specific block of contiguous nucleotide units (e.g., repressors, restriction enzymes, etc.), synthetases appear to interact with spatially disperse elements of the structure. Available evidence suggests that tRNA binding clefts on various synthetases may be roughly similar, with specificity being achieved by the choice of amino acid residues in a few critical positions in the tRNA binding clefts. With this idea in mind, it should be possible to introduce amino acid substitutions into the binding clefts and thereby change tRNA recognition specificity. This has been attempted (by genetic manipulations) and a mutant alanine tRNA synthetase with altered tRNA recognition has been isolated. This enzyme can attach alanine to isoleucine specific tRNA. When presented with valine specific tRNA, a tRNA similar in some structural features to the isoleucine specific tRNA, or with the structurally quite different tyrosine specific tRNA, no significant aminoacylation occurs. Thus, a precise specificity alteration can occur through mutation; this result supports the idea of similarities in synthetase binding clefts, with specificity being achieved by the positioning of amino acids at critical positions in these clefts. Finally, further data have been obtained on the issue of possible transient covalent bond formation between synthetases and tRNAs, as a critical part of the interaction.
Exploring the substituent effects on a novel series of C1′-dimethyl-aryl Δ8-tetrahydrocannabinol analogs

The synthesis and characterization of novel C1'-phenyl-substituted Delta(8)-THC analogs were previously reported by our laboratory. Within this small series of compounds, the C1'-dimethyl phenyl group was found to impart 13.5-fold selectivity for the CB2 receptor with a K(i) 0.91 nM. The current study expands on the previous report by evaluating the effects of aromatic ring substitution on CB1 and CB2 receptor subtype binding and selectivity. The ring substituents synthesized in this study include aliphatic, halogen, nitrile, and acetamido functional groups. In addition, the isosteric replacement of the phenyl group by thiophene was evaluated. The anti-glioma activities of selected compounds were evaluated in vitro and compared to the lead compound 2.
Renal tubular response to aldosterone in normal infants and children with adrenal disorders.

Abstract The renal tubular response to aldosterone was evaluated in 4 normal infants and 7 children with various disorders of the adrenal cortex. An increase in renal tubular sodium reabsorption was demonstrated in all patients with adrenal disease. In one infant with the salt-wasting form of the adrenogenital syndrome studied prior to receiving any hormonal therapy, the response to aldosteixme administration was comparable to that of older, treated children with the adrenogenital syndrome and infants with simple virilizing adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency. Three of 4 normal infants failed to show an increase in renal tubular reabsorption of sodium in response to aldosterone administration. This lack of response to aldosterone was interpreted as being a reflection of the effects of a large sodium load on the relatively immature glomerular and tubular functions of the newborn kidney.
The influence of rice plant type on the effect of weed competition on Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima

Detailed studies were conducted on three rice cultivars – IG10, an Oryza glaberrima Steudel; Moroberekan, a traditional Oryza sativa L.; and IDSA6, an improved O. sativa L. – in conditions with and without competition from weeds. IG10 suffered less from competition with weeds and suppressed weeds better than the O. sativa cultivars. IG10 accumulated more biomass, produced more tillers, established a higher leaf area index, had higher specific leaf area and, in the earlier stages of growth, partitioned more of its biomass to leaves than the O. sativa cultivars. Without competition from weeds, grain yields did not significantly differ between the cultivars, but IG10 produced higher yields in competition with weeds. The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to the development of rice plants with good weed suppression characteristics.
Lead alters the developmental profile of the galactolipid metabolic enzymes in cultured oligodendrocyte lineage cells.

Abstract Lead is a neurotoxicant that can cause myelin deficits. Galactolipids are expressed during differentiation of oligodendrocyte lineage cells and accumulate in myelin. To examine the impact of lead on oligodendroglial differentiation, galactolipid metabolism in cultured oligodendrocyte lineage cells exposed to the metal was studied. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells obtained from newborn rat pups were exposed to 1 μM lead acetate for 24 h prior to maintenance of the cells in medium containing the metal salt for 0, 2, or 6 days of differentiation. Lead caused approximately 50% reduction in levels of the galactolipid biosynthetic transferases, UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase and 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate:galactocerebroside sulfotransferase, as compared to sodium-treated controls, in cultures of oligodendrocyte lineage cells following 2 days of differentiaition. The activities of the galactolipid catabolic hydrolases, galactocerebroside-β-galactosidase and arylsulfatase A, were reduced by 20%. Following 6 days of differentiation, lead-exposed cells exhibited levels of all the enzymes, except for arylsulfatase A, similar to those of the control cells. These results are consistent with the lead-induced delay of oligodendrocyte differentiation, as evidenced by the emergence of stage-specific immunochemical markers and the observed change in the developmental activity profile of 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphohydrolase. The activity of arylsulfatase A in lead-treated 6-day oligodendrocytes was significantly less than that found in control cultures. This effect is consistent with the lead-induced reduction of arylsulfatase A in human fibroblasts caused by mis-sorting the newly-synthesized enzyme. The perturbation of galactolipid metabolism by lead during developmental maturation of oligodendrocytes may represent a contributing mechanism for lead-induced neurotoxicity.
Participation of Brahma-Related Gene 1 (BRG1)-Associated Factor 57 and BRG1-Containing Chromatin Remodeling Complexes in Thyroid Hormone-Dependent Gene Activation during Vertebrate Development

Multiple cofactors and chromatin remodeling complexes have been identified to contribute to the transcriptional activation regulated by thyroid hormone receptors (TRs) in vitro. However, their role and function during development in vivo remains to be elucidated. The total dependence of amphibian metamorphosis on thyroid hormone (T3) provides a unique vertebrate model for studying the molecular mechanism of TR function in vivo. In this study, we show that the expression of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), a chromatin-remodeling enzyme, is up-regulated at the climax of Xenopus laevis metamorphosis, whereas BRG1-associated factor 57 (BAF57), a BRG1-binding protein in BRG1-containing chromatin remodeling complexes, is constitutively expressed during development. Consistently, T3 treatment of premetamorphic tadpoles led to up-regulation of the expression of BRG1 but not BAF57. Studies using a reconstituted T3-dependent Xenopus oocyte transcription system, where we could study TR function in the context of chromatin, revealed that BRG1 enhances the transcriptional activation by ligand-bound TRs in a dose-dependent manner, whereas a remodeling-defective BRG1 mutant inhibited the activation, suggesting that this process relies on chromatin remodeling. Additional studies showed that BAF57 interacted with BRG1 in oocytes and enhanced gene activation by TR cooperatively with BRG1 in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that BAF57 was recruited to the TR-regulated promoter in the presence of TR and T3. Together, these findings suggest a role of BRG1/BAF57-containing chromatin remodeling complexes in TR-regulated gene expression during postembryonic development.
How healthy were the arteries of Phidippides

Subacute and chronic cardiac adaptations to marathon running may increase risk for sudden death. Herein, it is proposed that cardiac arrhythmogenic remodeling resulting from prolonged strenuous exertion may also have a systemic vascular component. Marathon running reduces coronary perfusion pressure and causes acute endothelial damage, possibly via altering concentrations of circulating angiogenic growth factors with novel vasoregulatory properties. Marathon runners have increased arterial stiffness and augmented pressure from wave reflections contributing to a widening of pulse pressure. Pulsatile hemodynamics may contribute to target organ damage. Moreover, each of these vascular maladaptations (increased arterial stiffness, augmented pressure from wave reflections, and widened pulse pressure) has been associated with atrial fibrillation and may provide a substrate for lethal arrhythmogenesis in the marathon runner. Clin. Cardiol. 2012 DOI: 10.1002/clc.21009 The author has no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose. This article ﬁrst published online 28 November 2011. It has since changed. The term “coronary pulse pressure” has been changed to “coronary perfusion pressure.”
Chromosome Congression: Another Fine Mesh We’ve Gotten into

Collecting chromosomes prior to their accurate distribution by the mitotic spindle is widely believed to be a microtubule-driven process. However, a recent study in Nature by Lenart et al. (2005) has revealed that a contractile actin network makes an essential contribution to chromosome capture in animal oocytes.
Register allocation and VDD-gating algorithms for out-of-order architectures

Register Files (RF) in modern out-of-order microprocessors can account for up to 30% of total power consumed by the core. The complexity and size of the RF has increased due to the transition from ROB-based to MIPSR10K-style physical register renaming. Because physical registers are dynamically allocated, the RF is not fully occupied during every phase of the application. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive power management strategy of the RF through algorithms for register allocation and register-bank power-gating that are informed by both microarchitecture details and circuit costs. We investigate algorithms to control where to place registers in the RF, when to disable banks in the RF, and when to re-enable these banks. We include detailed circuit models to estimate the cost for banking and power-gating the RF. We are able to save up to 50% of the leakage energy vs. a baseline monolithic RF, and save 11% more leakage energy than fine-grained VDD-gating schemes.
Response of human adenocarcinoma to chemotherapy: As sole agents and in combination with sodium ibuprofen

Abstract The sensitivity of 12 human tumors to various chemotherapeutic agents was measured in the 6-day subrenal capsule xenograft assay. All of the tumors were adenocarcinomas: 9 ovarian, 2 colon, and one endometrial. Doxorubicin, cisplatin, melphalan, 5-flurouracil, methotrexate, and vinblastine sulfate were tested for antineoplastic activity on all tumors. In addition, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, sodium ibuprofen, was assayed for cytostatic activity and for the ability to enhance the cytotoxic activity of melphalan and vinblastine sulfate. The response of the tumors to the cytotoxic agents were variable, but 5 of the 12 tumors showed a significant reduction of growth when the animals were treated with sodium ibuprofen alone. The addition of ibuprofen to the chemotherapeutic agents did not significantly alter the therapeutic activity of melphalan, but decreased the effectiveness of vinblastine in one case. When ibuprofen was given in combination with a cytotoxic drug, the primary cytoreductive effect was that of the cytotoxic agent.
Gender differences in faculty development: a faculty needs survey.

Objective The authors investigated professional development needs of faculty in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of California (UC) Davis, while also exploring any existing differences according to gender and academic rank.
Decoupling the dimension of a system of affine recurrence equations

Abstract Most work on the problem of synthesizing a systolic array from a system of recurrence equations is restricted to systems of uniform recurrence equations. In this paper, this restriction is relaxed to include systems of affine recurrence equations. A system of uniform recurrence equations typically can be embedded in space-time so that the distance between a variable and a dependent variable does not depend on the problem size. Systems of affine recurrence equations which are not uniform do not enjoy this property. However, a method has been presented in another paper for converting a system of affine recurrence equations to an equivalent system of recurrence equations that is uniform, except for points near the boundaries of its index sets. In this paper a procedure is presented for decoupling the dimensions of the system of affine recurrence equations, thereby simplifying the conversion to an equivalent system that is uniform (except for points near the boundaries).
An Analysis of the Effects of Eddy Currents on L-Band EPR Spectra

Recently, impressive results have been obtained with EPR studies of living animals and perfused organs using low-frequency EPR. In many instances in such studies, however, there are apparent distortions of the spectra. The shapes of these spectra and theoretical considerations indicate that these effects are due to eddy currents in the moderately conductive biological materials. Therefore the effects of eddy currents produced in biological samples under typical conditions being employed for in vivo EPR studies have been systematically studied in order to determine the extent of these effects and to develop methods for compensating for these effects. The presence of eddy currents was found to decrease the Q factor and distort the shapes of the EPR spectra. The distortion of the spectra led to linewidth broadening, changes in peak heights, and shifts of the apparent center of the lines. These effects could be corrected instrumentally, but this was effective only when signals have a high S/N. The use of appropriate computer simulations, based on linear combinations of the expected absorption and dispersion signals, can effectively correct for the effects of eddy currents and provide accurate data on the parameters of EPR spectra that are needed for most or all of the analyses used in biological studies of animals and tissues at low frequencies.
Molecular insights into insulin action and secretion

Tightly co-ordinated control of both insulin action and secretion is required in order to maintain glucose homeostasis. Gene knockout experiments have helped to define key signalling molecules that affect insulin action, including insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) receptors, insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins and various downstream effector proteins. beta-cell function is also a tightly regulated process, with numerous factors (including certain signalling molecules) having an impact on insulin production, insulin secretion and beta-cell mass. While signalling molecules play important roles in insulin action and secretion under normal circumstances, abnormal insulin signalling in muscle, adipose tissue, liver and pancreas leads to insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. In particular, the signalling protein IRS-2 may have a central role in linking these abnormalities, although other factors are likely to be involved.
Some criteria for evaluating risk messages

Seven criteria are presented for use in evaluating communications designed to explain the magnitude of a risk. The criteria are: (1) comprehension (Does the audience understand the content of the communication ); (2) agreement (Does the audience agree with the recommendation or interpretation contained in the message ); (3) dose-response consistency (Do people facing a higher dose of a hazard perceive the risk as greater and/or show a greater readiness to take action than people exposed to a lower dose of this hazard ); (4) hazard-response consistency (Do people facing a hazard that is higher in risk perceive the risk as greater and/or show a greater readiness to take action than people exposed to a hazard that is lower in risk ); (5) uniformity (Do audience members exposed to the same level of risk tend to have the same responses to this risk ); (6) audience evaluation (Does the audience judge the message to have been helpful, accurate, clear, etc. ); and (7) types of communication failures (When differnet types of failures are possible, are the failures that occur generally of the more acceptable variety ). Each of these criteria is illustrated with data collected in a test of messagemore » formats designed to explain the risk presented by radon gas in a home.« less
Low Gestational Weight Gain Skews Human Sex Ratios towards Females.

Background Human males are more vulnerable to adverse conditions than females starting early in gestation and continuing throughout life, and previous studies show that severe food restriction can influence the sex ratios of human births. It remains unclear, however, whether subtle differences in caloric intake during gestation alter survival of fetuses in a sex-specific way. I hypothesized that the ratio of male to female babies born should vary with the amount of weight gained during gestation. I predicted that women who gain low amounts of weight during gestation should produce significantly more females, and that, if gestational weight gain directly influences sex ratios, fetal losses would be more likely to be male when women gain inadequate amounts of weight during pregnancy. Methods I analyzed data collected from over 68 million births over 23 years to test for a relationship between gestational weight gain and natal sex ratios, as well as between gestational weight gain and sex ratios of fetal deaths at five gestational ages. Results Gestational weight gain and the proportion of male births were positively correlated; a lower proportion of males was produced by women who gained less weight and this strong pattern was exhibited in four human races. Further, sex ratios of fetal losses at 6 months of gestation were significantly male-biased when mothers had gained low amounts of weight during pregnancy, suggesting that low caloric intake during early fetal development can stimulate the loss of male fetuses. Conclusion My data indicate that human sex ratios change in response to resource availability via sex-specific fetal loss, and that a pivotal time for influences on male survival is early in fetal development, at 6 months of gestation.
Synergistic effect of malocclusion and oral parafunctions on craniomandibular dysfunction in children with and without unpleasant life events

An epidemiological study was conducted on 386 children aged 6-10, with and without unpleasant life events, to investigate the synergistic effect of malocclusion and oral parafunctions on craniomandibular dysfunction. The results showed that the synergistic effect of certain occlusal factors and oral parafunctions was significantly correlated with clicking and symptoms of dysfunction in both groups and with TMJ and muscle tenderness in subjects without unpleasant life events. In children with unpleasant life events TMJ and muscle tenderness were not correlated with any combination of malocclusion and oral parafunction. The present study suggests that the synergistic effect of malocclusion and oral parafunctions is a 'sufficient' cause for development of clicking and symptoms of dysfunction in both groups and TMJ and muscle tenderness in subjects without unpleasant life events. Also, in children with unpleasant life events, other aetiologic factor(s) can be responsible for the development of TMJ and muscle tenderness.
Radiant flux through apertures—I

Abstract Equations for the radiant flux through apertures are well-known. But the exact equations are cumbersome and give little direct insight into the behavior of aperture systems. The present paper considers simple approximate equations for rectangular apertures in parallel planes and in perpendicular planes. It extends the previous work (square apertures) to the general case of rectangular apertures.
THE FOREIGN POLICY PRESIDENCY AFTER THE COLD WAR: NEW UNCERTAINTY AND OLD PROBLEMS

Post-Cold War US foreign policy and policy making cannot escape constitutionally defined and political constraints of the past: divided government and Vietnam. In an era when “vital interests” are no longer self-evident, “foreign” and “domestic” issue areas are interpenetrated and the presidential foreign policy establishment is, like the Congress, subject to a much broader range of domestic political pressures. Though a pragmatic internationalism survives, a system designed to deliberate and depart incrementally from the status quo requires leadership and, as during the Cold War, the locus of foreign policy leadership is the presidency.
E.I. and C.I. mass-spectral identification of some derivatives of 7-O-(2-amino-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranosyl)-l-glycero-d-manno-heptose, obtained from lipopolysaccharides representative of the Vibrionaceae family

Abstract The electron-impact (e.i.) and chemical-ionization (c.i.) mass spectra of the 2-di- N -methyl ( 2 ), 2- N -acetyl ( 3 ), and 2-( N -acetyl)- N -methyl ( 4 ) derivatives of 1,5-di- O -acetyl-7- O -(2-amino-2-deoxy-3,4,6-tri- O -methyl-α- d -glucopyranosyl)-2,3,4,6-tetra- O -methyl- l - glycero - d - ma nno -heptitol, obtained from the methylation analysis of the core oligosaccharides of Aeromonas hydrophila Chemotypes I and II, are described and their fragmentation patterns proposed. The e.i.-mass spectrum of the 2-dimethylamino derivative 2 showed the primary fragment ion A 1 , characteristic of the glycosyl group of this glycosylalditol, whereas the mass spectra of the 2-acetamido ( 3 ) and 2-( N -methylacetamido) derivatives ( 4 ) gave the respective primary ions, A 1 -fragments, and ald + -fragments diagnostic of the glycosyl group and the alditol residue of the respective glycosylalditol. The c.i.-mass spectra of the glycosylalditol derivatives 2 , 3 , and 4 gave, as major peaks, the protonated molecular ion [MH] + , together with the primary fragment ion A 1 characteristic of the glycosyl group of the respective derivatives. The e.i.- and c.i.-mass spectra and fragmentation pattern of methyl 7- O -(2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri- O -acetyl-2-deoxy-α- d -glucopyranosyl)-2,3,4,6-tetra- O -acetyl- l - glycero -α- d - manno -heptopy ranoside ( 6 ) are also reported.
Brain target sites for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Autoradiographic studies with 3H-labeled 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] demonstrate, in certain neurons of rat forebrain, hindbrain, and spinal cord, a nuclear retention and concentration of radioactivity, which can be prevented by treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3, but not with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3. These results indicate the presence of brain receptors in addition to pituitary receptors for 1,25(OH)2D3 and suggest a central modulation of calcium homeostasis and other central effects for this hormone. The existence of a brain-pituitary axis for certain 1,25(OH)2D3-mediated endocrine-autonomic effects is postulated.
Capillary LC-MS for High Sensitivity Metabolomic Analysis of Single Islets of Langerhans

Reversed-phase, packed capillary liquid chromatography interfaced by electrospray ionization to mass spectrometry was explored as an analytical method for determination of metabolites in microscale tissue samples using single islets of Langerhans as a model system. With the use of a 75 µm inner diameter column coupled to a quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer in full scan mode, detection limits of 0.1−33 fmol were achieved for glycoloytic and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites. Reproducible processing of islets for analysis with little loss of metabolites was performed by rapid freezing followed by methanol−water extraction. The method yielded 20 µL of extract of which just 15 nL was injected suggesting the potential for performing multiple assays on the same islet. Approximately 200 presumed metabolites could be detected, of which 22 were identified by matching retention times and MS/MS spectra to standards. Relative standard deviations for peak detection was from 7 to 18% and was unaffected by storag...
SPHERICAL POINTS IN RIEMANNIAN MANIFOLDS

A point p in a Riemannian manifold M is weakly spherical if for each point q ≠ p there is either exactly one or at least three minimizing geodesic segments joining p to q. In this note, it is shown that round 2-dimensional spheres are the only Riemannian surfaces with a weakly spherical point realizing the injectivity radius.
Regulation of MCP-3 and BRCA2 mRNA Expression Levels by β1 Integrins

The integrin cytoplasmic domain has been shown to modulate several cellular functions, including cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and intracellular signaling. The beta(1) integrin subunits beta(1C) and beta(1A), which contain variant cytoplasmic domains, differentially affect cancer and normal cell functions. To identify target genes selectively regulated by these beta(1) cytoplasmic variants, stable cell transfectants expressing either beta(1A) or beta(1C) under the control of a doxycycline-inducible promoter were obtained using murine beta(1)-deficient GD25 cells. Screening of 1176 murine cDNAs using first-strand cDNA of mRNA isolated from either beta(1C)- or beta(1A)-expressing cells showed a striking differential expression of few genes. The differential expression of two genes, MCP-3 and BRCA2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2, respectively), whose products are involved, respectively, in chemotaxis and embryonic proliferation, was confirmed by Northern blot analysis. Increased MCP-3 and decreased BRCA2 mRNA levels in cells expressing beta(1C) compared to those in cells expressing beta(1A) were observed. Since beta(1C) and beta(1A) stable cell transfectants showed comparable adhesion to fibronectin, upregulation of MCP-3 and downregulation of BRCA2 mRNA levels did not appear to be due to a differential ability of the beta(1C) cells to adhere to the beta(1) ligand fibronectin. Overall, our data show that beta(1) integrin cytoplasmic domain variants control expression of downstream target genes in a differential manner without affecting cell adhesion.
What is a visual object? Evidence from target merging in multiple object tracking

The notion that visual attention can operate over visual objects in addition to spatial locations has recently received much empirical support, but there has been relatively little empirical consideration of what can count as an 'object' in the first place. We have investigated this question in the context of the multiple object tracking paradigm, in which subjects must track a number of independently and unpredictably moving identical items in a field of identical distractors. What types of feature clusters can be tracked in this manner? In other words, what counts as an 'object' in this task? We investigated this question with a technique we call target merging: we alter tracking displays so that distinct target and distractor locations appear perceptually to be parts of the same object by merging pairs of items (one target with one distractor) in various ways - for example, by connecting item locations with a simple line segment, by drawing the convex hull of the two items, and so forth. The data show that target merging makes the tracking task far more difficult to varying degrees depending on exactly how the items are merged. The effect is perceptually salient, involving in some conditions a total destruction of subjects' capacity to track multiple items. These studies provide strong evidence for the object-based nature of tracking, confirming that in some contexts attention must be allocated to objects rather than arbitrary collections of features. In addition, the results begin to reveal the types of spatially organized scene components that can be independently attended as a function of properties such as connectedness, part structure, and other types of perceptual grouping.
Seismic profiling survey of the east coast submarine canyons Part 1. Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington and Norfolk Canyons

Abstract Seismic profiler recordings indicate that the morphology of Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, and Norfolk Canyons are erosional not structural in origin. No evidence of folding or faulting was observed on any of the profiles.
The replication initiator protein of plasmid R6K tagged with β-galactosidase shows sequence-specific DNA-binding

Abstract We have tagged the replication initiator protein of the plasmid R6K near the C-terminal end by fusion, in the correct reading frame, with the 89 amino acid long N-terminal α-donor polypeptide of β-galactosidase of E. coli. This fusion was carried out with recombinant DNA methods. The protein chimera thus generated retained the activities of both initiation of DNA replication in vivo at the replication origin γ of R6K and hydrolysis of β-galactopyranoside when complemented in vivo with the α-acceptor polypeptide coded by the lac Z gene containing the M15 deletion. Using the simple and convenient assay for detecting β-galactosidase, we have partially purified the tagged replication initiator, and have demonstrated that the protein binds to specific DNA sequences of the R6K chromosome. The protein bound to DNA sequences located at two places in the 5′ untranslated leader region of the initiator protein cistron.
Adolescents' views of women's work role.

Views of women's work role held by ninth-grade boys and girls in Maryland are reported. Boys are consistently more conservative than girls. Although, in general, those of higher IQ hold liberal views, middle-class boys of high IQ are the least liberal. Blacks are less opposed than whites to women working outside the home, but are just as conservative as other groups about women holding men's jobs. Greatest differences between girls' and boys' views are found among middle-class whites.
PPreclinical Evaluation of Drugs for Evidence of Teratogenic Activity

“If certain congenital malformations can be attributed in certain animals to dietary deficiency, anoxia, cortisone, or genetic constellations, one must not conclude without further proof that comparable malformations in man are due to similar adverse conditions. Such premature conclusions, usually not drawn by the experimentor but by a reader whose imagination and beliefs exceed his knowledge, can create superstitions in modern garb. If such a reader is also a writer with access to medical or popular journals, his unfounded beliefs are carried to millions, whereby new superstitions are established. … A single observation of an abnormal child born to a mother who had been in an automobile accident, becomes, if reported in a popular magazine, psychologically, a hundred thousand observations which seem to establish a causal relationship between two events. The whispered word is powerful, but the written word endures.” Joseph Warkany, National Foundation Conference on Congenital Malformations, 1959 (1).
Linked Psychology and Writing Courses Across the Curriculum

To enhance student performance, prevent attrition, and build a learning community, two courses were linked together by requiring concurrent enrollment. Students in an unlinked class were used as a comparison group. Grades, evaluations, and attrition rate suggest that linking courses can improve writing and exam scores and reduce attrition.
Multicomponent parental treatment of firesetting in a six year old boy

The case is presented of a 6-yr-old developmentally-disabled boy who was referred for the treatment of home firesetting behavior. The mother was trained to implement an intervention program consisting of negative practice with corrective consequences and token reinforcement in order to satiate and teach proper control of the behavior. This intervention was associated with the elimination of the firesetting behavior and suppression of another problem behavior, namely, fighting with the sister. Both of these behavioral improvements were maintained at 15-month follow-up. The benefits of multicomponent behavioral interventions and change agents in the natural environment are discussed.
Functional test generation using design and property decomposition techniques

Functional verification of microprocessors is one of the most complex and expensive tasks in the current system-on-chip design methodology. Simulation using functional test vectors is the most widely used form of processor validation. A significant bottleneck in the validation of such systems is the lack of automated techniques for directed test generation. While existing model checking--based approaches have proposed several promising ideas for automated test generation, many challenges remain in applying them to industrial microprocessors. The time and resources required for test generation using existing model checking--based techniques can be prohibitively large. This article presents an efficient test generation technique using decompositional model checking. The contribution of the article is the development of both property and design decomposition procedures for efficient test generation of pipelined processors. Our experimental results using a multi-issue MIPS processor and an industrial processor based on Power Architecture™ Technology demonstrate several orders-of-magnitude reduction in validation effort by drastically reducing both test generation time and test program length.
Effects of in Vitro Mast Cell Degranulation on Human Lung β-Receptor Binding Parameters

Background Numerous studies have demonstrated that subjects with allergic asthma have beta-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness, predisposing these individuals toward bronchospasm, mucous production, and mast cell degranulation. Since sympathetic innervation of the human respiratory tract is sparse, reduced beta-responsiveness probably results from alterations at or beyond the receptor level. Objective We therefore examined whether anaphylaxis of human lung tissue acutely modulated the human lung beta-receptor system in ways that might lead to decreased beta-adrenergic responsiveness. Methods Fresh thoracotomy peripheral lung samples from 26 patients were incubated with (anaphylaxis) or without (control) anti-IgE (1:100) for up to 90 minutes and histamine release was documented. Lung fragments were quick frozen at various times after anti-IgE for analysis of beta-receptor binding prameters. Antagonist Kd (dissociation constant) and receptor concentration values were determined using (-) [ 125 I]pindolol and agoinst IC 50 values were determined using isoproterenol. Results In comparison with time 0, neither anaphylaxis nor control samples had differences in receptor binding parameters with time. There were also no differences between anaphylaxis and control lung samples at any time point, and ratios of log control binding parameter/log anaphylaxis binding parameter ranged from 0.96 to 1.01. Conclusions Anaphylaxis of lung does not lead to acute changes in antagonist or agonist affinity for beta-receptors or changes in receptor concentration. Under the conditions studied, lung mast cell degranulation does not acutely alter the human lung beta-receptor system in ways that might account for the beta-adrenergic hyporesponsiveness found in allergic asthma.
Effect of one phosphorus rate placed in different soil volumes on p uptake and growth of wheat

Abstract The volume of soil treated with P fertilizer affects P uptake by the crop. Earlier studies have shown that the stimulation of root growth in P‐fertilized soil was similar for both corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean (Glycine max L. Merr). The objective of this research was to determine the effect of fertilizer P placement on P uptake and shoot and root growth of spring wheat (Triticum vulgare L.). Wheat was grown for 34 days in Raub silt loam (Aquic Argiudolls) in a controlled climate chamber. One rate of phosphate per pot, 150 mg P per three kg of soil, was mixed with 2, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 100% of the soil in the pot. The P was equilibrated with moist soil for 5 days at 70°C followed by 21 days at 25° C before transplanting 8‐day‐old wheat plants into each 3 L pot. The P stimulation of root growth in the P‐treated soil was similar to that for corn and soybeans. The effect could be described by the equation y = x0.7 where y is the fraction of the root system in the P‐fertilized soil where P is mixed wi...
Nutrition and Aging

Nutritional concerns are common among older adults seen in the primary care office. The food pyramid for people over the age of 70 years is a useful starting point for discussions about what reasonably healthy older adults should be eating and drinking. If there is a decline in the ability to perform IADLs or if there is a decrease in appetite or the discovery of unintended weight loss, careful assessment followed by targeted interventions may improve health outcomes and the quality of life. Restrictive diets are often not well tolerated, especially by frail older adults. Dietary recommendations blending the elements of the pyramid and the essential components of accepted medical nutritional therapy that are most consistent with the patient's lifelong eating patterns are most likely to succeed.
Background Risk Factors Associated with Parasuicide among Male Prison Inmates

This study identified selected factors of state prison inmates' preincarceration background that were associated with the probability of parasuicide in a stratified random sample of 123 male inmates with and without histories of parasuicide. Three domains theoretically linked to parasuicide were examined: problem histories, maladaptive social network members or models, and life events. The results indicated that, following inmates' own psychiatric history, the parasuicide and arrest record of significant network members were the strongest background predictors of inmates' parasuicide. Implications for clinical identification are discussed. Language: en
Cloning and sequencing of a gene encoding an aminoglycoside 6'-N-acetyltransferase from an R factor of Citrobacter diversus.

Abstract The aacA1 gene, which encodes a 6'-N-acetyltransferase [AAC(6')-I] mediating resistance to kanamycin, tobramycin, and amikacin, was cloned from the Citrobacter diversus R plasmid pBWH100 into the Escherichia coli vector pBR322. The complete nucleotide sequence of the gene and flanking regions was determined. A protein of approximately 21 kilodaltons was identified when the chimeric plasmid encoding the aacA1 gene was introduced into E. coli maxicells. This value is consistent with the size predicted for a protein translated from the open reading frame of the gene.
Localization of brain 5α-reductase messenger RNA in mice selectively bred for high chronic alcohol withdrawal severity.

Several lines of evidence suggest that fluctuations in endogenous levels of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) represent one mechanism for regulation of GABAergic inhibitory tone in the brain, with an ultimate impact on behavior. Consistent with this idea, there was an inverse relationship between ALLO levels and symptoms of anxiety and depression in humans and convulsive activity in rodents during alcohol withdrawal. Our recent studies examined the activity and expression of 5α-reductase (Srd5a1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of ALLO, during alcohol withdrawal in mice selectively bred for high chronic alcohol withdrawal (Withdrawal Seizure-Prone [WSP]) and found that Srd5a1 was downregulated in the cortex and hippocampus over the time course of dependence and withdrawal. The purpose of the present studies was to extend these findings and more discretely map the regions of Srd5a1 expression in mouse brain using radioactive in situ hybridization in WSP mice that were ethanol naive, following exposure to 72h ethanol vapor (dependent) or during peak withdrawal. In naive animals, expression of Srd5a1 was widely distributed throughout the mouse brain, with highest expression in specific regions of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala. In dependent animals and during withdrawal, there was no change in Srd5a1 expression in cortex or hippocampus, which differed from our recent findings in dissected tissues. These results suggest that local Srd5a1 mRNA expression in WSP brain may not change in parallel with local ALLO content or withdrawal severity.
A General Framework for Automated Tuning of Digital Controllers in Multi-phase Dc-Dc Converters

Digital controllers are widely used in interleaved multi-phase dc-dc converters. The inherent nonlinearities introduced by the nonlinear control rules, quantizers, and mapping between analog and digital domains complicates the controller design process. A simple, yet accurate auto-tuning framework is set forth that provides the required controller coefficients to meet desired time and frequency performance criteria. This is an optimization-based process which minimizes a cost function formulated using error terms. The proposed methodology is implemented on a dual-phase buck converter with a regulated output voltage and drastic change in the load current. The desired performance is verified in time and frequency domains using hardware measurements and numerical simulations.
Integrating information literacy into Blackboard: Librarian‐faculty collaboration for successful student learning

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to describe a creative library orientation program utilizing Blackboard to help nursing students develop information literacy and successfully complete a cultural research paper.Design/methodology/approach – Information literacy components and course‐specific library resources are integrated seamlessly into NRS 110 Blackboard course. The students attend a one‐hour library orientation and continue to receive research assistance from the librarian via Blackboard. Surveys are conducted to help evaluate the program's effectiveness.Findings – Results suggest that librarian‐faculty collaboration in integrating information literacy and course‐specific library resources into Blackboard courses is an effective way to improve library instruction and student learning.Practical implications – The article offers a model for incorporating information literacy and course‐specific library resources into faculty Blackboard courses.Originality/value – The study will be of particular...
Expanded Polyglutamine Protein Forms Nuclear Inclusions and Causes Neural Degeneration in Drosophila

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) is one of at least eight human neurodegenerative diseases caused by glutamine-repeat expansion. We have recreated glutamine-repeat disease in Drosophila using a segment of the SCA3/MJD protein. Targeted expression of the protein with an expanded polyglutamine repeat led to nuclear inclusion (NI) formation and late-onset cell degeneration. Differential sensitivity to the mutant transgene was observed among different cell types, with neurons being particularly susceptible; NI formation alone was not sufficient for degeneration. The viral antiapoptotic gene P35 mitigated polyglutamine-induced degeneration in vivo. Our results demonstrate that cellular mechanisms of human glutamine-repeat disease are conserved in invertebrates. This fly model will aid in identifying additional factors that modulate neurodegeneration.
Validity and reliability of a novel written examination to assess knowledge and clinical decision making skills of medical students on the surgery clerkship

Abstract Background The Surgery Clerkship Clinical Skills Examination (CSE) is a novel written examination developed to assess the surgical knowledge, clinical decision making, communication skills, and professionalism of medical students on the surgery clerkship. This study was undertaken to determine its validity. Methods Data were prospectively collected from July 2011 through February 2013. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to assess score trend; convergent validity with National Board of Medical Examiners surgery and medicine subject scores, United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge scores, and evaluation of clinical reasoning and fund of knowledge; and the effect of clerkship order. Exam reliability was assessed using a modified Cronbach's α statistic. Results During the study period, 262 students completed the CSE, with a normal distribution of performance. United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 2 Clinical Knowledge score and end-of-clerkship evaluations of fund of knowledge and clinical reasoning predicted CSE score. Performance on the CSE was independent of clerkship order or prior clerkships. The modified Cronbach’s α value for the exam was .67. Conclusions The CSE is an objective, valid, reliable instrument for assessing students on the surgery clerkship, independent of clerkship order.
Macromolecular Synthesis During the Germination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Spores

After the dormancy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae ascospores had been broken, the synthesis of proteins was observed first, followed rapidly by synthesis of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and much later by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) synthesis. Phosphoglucomutase activity increased in a periodic (step) fashion, whereas the activity of five other enzymes increased linearly during germination and outgrowth. The rate of synthesis of these enzymes was highest at about the period of DNA replication. The amino acid pools of dormant spores contained high levels of proline, glutamic acid, and histidine. At 2 h after onset of germination, the pools of phenylalanine and methionine had disappeared and the other components had decreased significantly. By 3.5 h, with the exception of proline and cystine, most amino acid pool components had significantly increased.