cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Situational and dispositional determinants of workplace victimization The effects of routine activities, negative affectivity, and low self-control

Using a representative sample of 635 professional journalists working in two southern European countries, the study assesses the independent effects of routine activities, negative affectivity, and low self-control on the likelihood of physical and property victimization in the workplace. The results extend previous research by showing that the likelihood of victimization at work is determined not only by the situational characteristics of the task performed but also by the dispositional characteristics of the person in the occupational role. Specifically, negative affectivity and the situational tenets of routine activity theory were consistently related to the likelihood of both physical and property victimization at work. Low self-control, however, failed to significantly predict the likelihood of victimization among professional journalists. Language: en
Preliminary studies of cytokine secretion patterns associated with pregnancy in MS patients.

Multiple sclerosis has a tendency to remit during pregnancy, followed by an increase in the risk for disease relapses in the postpartum period. In this communication, preliminary data are presented to indicate that activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from the postpartum period secrete elevated levels of gamma-interferon (IFN-γ) relative to those collected during the third trimester. In addition, myelin antigen-specific T cell lines established from the third trimester of pregnancy secrete elevated levels of interleukin-10. The data suggest that the study of the mechanisms underlying natural fluctuations in disease activity during pregnancy and the postpartum period holds promise for a better understanding of factors capable of initiating and regulating remission and exacerbation in MS.
Biochemistry of disease and pest resistance in cotton

The major antibiotic metabolites in cotton are condensed proanthocyanidins formed from (+)-catechin and (+)-gallocatechin, and terpenoid aldehydes formed from desoxyhemigossypol. These metabolites occur in specific cells or tissues of healthy plants, and the terpenoids are formed in different cells from the proanthocyanidins. Concentrations of the metabolites increase under the stress of disease or pest invasion. The structure, quantity, and localization of constitutive and infection-induced host metabolites, and the speed of their induced biosynthesis, are discussed in relation to the resistance of tissues and varieties to diseases and pests. Finally, the genetic control of secondary metabolites in cotton is reviewed and discussed in relation to breeding for disease and pest control.
Characterization of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and anandamide antinociception in nonarthritic and arthritic rats

Little is known about the effectiveness of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and anandamide in blocking mechanical nociception. Even less is known about their antinociceptive efficacy in chronic inflammatory arthritis induced by Freund's complete adjuvant. The hypothesis was tested that THC and anandamide elicit antinociception in the paw pressure test, and that arthritic rats would exhibit a different response. In nonarthritic rats, THC- and anandamide-induced antinociception lasted 90 min and 15 min, respectively, while antinociception lasted 90 min and 30 min, respectively, in arthritic rats. Area under the curve calculations revealed no effect of arthritis on THC- and anandamide-induced antinociception. Another hypothesis was that paw pressure thresholds in arthritic rats reflect chronic cannabinoid receptor stimulation due to elevations in free anandamide levels. Yet, the CB1 receptor antagonist SR141716A failed to alter paw pressure thresholds in either nonarthritic or arthritic rats. Further investigation revealed that SR141716A significantly blocked THC antinociception, with no effect on anandamide. Thus, anandamide's effects did not result from CB1 receptor stimulation, and any potential contribution of endogenous anandamide in arthritis was not revealed. Finally, THC and anandamide appear to release an as yet unknown endogenous opioid, because naloxone significantly blocked their effects. This study indicates that anandamide and THC may act at different receptor sites to modulate endogenous opioid levels in mechanical nociception.
Differentiation of ileostomy from colostomy procedures: assessing the accuracy of current procedural terminology codes and the utility of natural language processing.

Background Large databases provide a wealth of information for researchers, but identifying patient cohorts often relies on the use of current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. In particular, studies of stoma surgery have been limited by the accuracy of CPT codes in identifying and differentiating ileostomy procedures from colostomy procedures. It is important to make this distinction because the prevalence of complications associated with stoma formation and reversal differ dramatically between types of stoma. Natural language processing (NLP) is a process that allows text-based searching. The Automated Retrieval Console is an NLP-based software that allows investigators to design and perform NLP-assisted document classification. In this study, we evaluated the role of CPT codes and NLP in differentiating ileostomy from colostomy procedures. Methods Using CPT codes, we conducted a retrospective study that identified all patients undergoing a stoma-related procedure at a single institution between January 2005 and December 2011. All operative reports during this time were reviewed manually to abstract the following variables: formation or reversal and ileostomy or colostomy. Sensitivity and specificity for validation of the CPT codes against the mastery surgery schedule were calculated. Operative reports were evaluated by use of NLP to differentiate ileostomy- from colostomy-related procedures. Sensitivity and specificity for identifying patients with ileostomy or colostomy procedures were calculated for CPT codes and NLP for the entire cohort. Results CPT codes performed well in identifying stoma procedures (sensitivity 87.4%, specificity 97.5%). A total of 664 stoma procedures were identified by CPT codes between 2005 and 2011. The CPT codes were adequate in identifying stoma formation (sensitivity 97.7%, specificity 72.4%) and stoma reversal (sensitivity 74.1%, specificity 98.7%), but they were inadequate in identifying ileostomy (sensitivity 35.0%, specificity 88.1%) and colostomy (75.2% and 80.9%). NLP performed with greater sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy than CPT codes in identifying stoma procedures and stoma types. Major differences where NLP outperformed CPT included identifying ileostomy (specificity 95.8%, sensitivity 88.3%, and accuracy 91.5%) and colostomy (97.6%, 90.5%, and 92.8%, respectively). Conclusion CPT codes can identify effectively patients who have had stoma procedures and are adequate in distinguishing between formation and reversal; however, CPT codes cannot differentiate ileostomy from colostomy. NLP can be used to differentiate between ileostomy- and colostomy-related procedures. The role of NLP in conjunction with electronic medical records in data retrieval warrants further investigation.
Simulation of traffic control strategies

Computer model SCOT (Simulation of COrridor Traffic) is a traffic engineering tool which simulates traffic flow through an urban freeway corridor network. It contains equations which describe the way vehicles are driven on freeways and streets and takes into consideration the field site geometry, traffic demand and control system. In this study, the capabilities of the model to simulate ramp control and to route traffic through the network along time minimal paths were investigated. Numerical values for standard traffic performance measures showed the improvement to freeway traffic flow caused by ramp metering as well as the resulting ramp congestion. The computed optimal traffic assignment showed that significant changes in the distribution of traffic could occur if drivers were given timely information.
Reflection-impulsivity and script-action recall

Script-recall differences between reflective and impulsive subjects were investigated. Using the Bower, Black, and Turner (1979) methodology, it was found that reflective subjects recalled more stated actions than did impulsive subjects regardless of number of instantiations of scripts presented, indicating that cognitive style influences schematic information processing.
The Neutralization Epitope of Lactate Dehydrogenase-Elevating Virus Is Located on the Short Ectodomain of the Primary Envelope Glycoprotein☆

We have measured by indirect ELISA the binding of neutralizing and non-neutralizing anti-lactate dehydrogenase-elevating virus (LDV) polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to synthetic peptides representing unmodified hydrophilic segments of LDV proteins. Using this method a single neutralization epitope has been shown to be located in the very short (about 30 amino acid long) ectodomain of the primary envelope glycoprotein, VP-3P, encoded by ORF 5. Although the neutralization epitopes of neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic LDVs differ slightly in amino acid sequences, the neutralizing antibodies bind strongly to the epitopes of both groups of viruses. However, the neutralization epitopes of neuropathogenic and non-neuropathogenic LDVs are associated with different numbers of polylactosaminoglycan chains (1 and 3, respectively) which may affect the binding of neutralizing antibodies to the virions of these LDVs. The ELISA using synthetic peptides containing the neutralization epitope provides a novel, rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive method for quantitating LDV neutralizing antibodies in infected mice.
N-Acetylprocainamide Toxicity

Excerpt To the editor: The anecdotal experiences reported by Domoto, and colleagues (1) do not warrant the recommendation that continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration be the therapy of choice for t...
The Stickler syndrome: genotype/phenotype correlation in 10 families with Stickler syndrome resulting from seven mutations in the type II collagen gene locus COL2A1.

Purpose: To evaluate a cohort of clinically diagnosed Stickler patients in which the causative COL2A1 mutation has been identified, determine the prevalence of clinical features in this group as a whole and as a function of age, and look for genotype/phenotype correlations. Methods: Review of medical records, clinical evaluations, and mutational analyses of clinically diagnosed Stickler patients. Results: Patients with seven defined COL2A1 mutations had similar phenotypes, though both inter- and intrafamilial variability were apparent and extensive. The prevalence of certain clinical features was a function of age. Conclusion: Although the molecular determination of a COL2A1 mutation can predict the occurrence of Stickler syndrome, the variability observed in the families described here makes it difficult to predict the severity of the phenotype on the basis of genotype.
Three-Dimensional Super-Resolution Imaging with a Corkscrew Point Spread Function

We describe the design of a corkscrew point spread function for 3D super-resolution microscopy. To prove the principle, we image fluorescent beads on a patterned PDMS surface, achieving a localization precision of 3 nm in x, 2 nm in y, and 6 nm in z.
Children Who Help Victims of Bullying: Implications for Practice

Over the years, literature on the phenomenon of bullying has evolved from treating bullying as an individual behavior to understanding it as a group process. Other than those of the bully and the victim, researchers have identified several roles children assume in bullying situations, with some assuming a pro-social role, often called the defender, in bullying scenarios. Practice literature continues to concentrate its attention narrowly on the bully and the victim, rather than on defenders. Understanding the individual and social circumstances related to defending suggests new avenues for practitioners interested in promoting improved peer relations in schools.
Generalized Hyperarithmetic Theory

Let λ be an ordinal and λ + the least admissible ordinal greater than λ. We say that λ is ω-like if L[λ + ]=λ is a cardinal of countable cofinality. This paper has two objectives: 1) to lift hyperarithmetic theory from ω to every ω-like λ; 2) to prove Louveau's separation theorem for every ω-like λ
SU-EE-A1-01: Making Controlled Tradeoffs between Competing IMRT Goals Using Lexicographic Ordering

Purpose: To use an intuitive multi‐criteria optimization method called lexicographic ordering (LO) to facilitate controlled tradeoffs between competing objectives in IMRT and to show its utility in choosing between the competing factors of beam complexity and plan quality. Method and Materials: The LO method optimizes plans according to priority levels with the goals in each prior level dominating the subsequent level. To create a reasonable set of candidate plans for a physician to navigate through, tradeoff scenarios are designed before optimization and then realized by relaxing achieved objectives in a baseline plan. To demonstrate this process, tradeoff scenarios between beam complexity and plan quality were designed by a radiation oncologist and applied to a prostate case. The first scenario applied smoothing as the final optimization priority to determine the intensity modulation reduction possible without affecting plan quality. Subsequent scenarios applied relevant concessions that were deemed acceptable to improve delivery efficiency. Smoothing was promoted by a diffusion‐based method that penalizes modulation based on the sensitivity of the plan goals to each beamlet value. Results: With minimal optimizer input, plans representing clinical tradeoff decisions were created during optimization. In a prostate case, 11 tradeoff scenarios between beam complexity and dosimetric quality were optimized. Smoothing as the final LO priority resulted in 15% MU reduction without sacrificing any clinical objectives. Tradeoffs in other priority levels resulted in MU reductions of up to 27%. For example, allowing a 2–4 Gy increase in normal tissue mean dose reduced MU by 21%. Conclusion: The use of the multi‐criteria LO method permitted controlled tradeoffs to be chosen between competing plan objectives before optimization. In an example, this allowed the construction of a manageable library of realistic plans to assist the physician in making an informed tradeoff decision between IMRT plan complexity and plan quality. Supported by P01‐CA59827
Bob Solomon and William James: A Rapprochement

Bob Solomon used to inveigh against William James’ theory of emotions, but he eventually arrived at a rapprochement with James and James’s recent successors. In particular, James suggested that emotions are initiated by the “automatic, instinctive” appraisals that register important information in the body and are recorded by body-mapping brain areas. In recent work Solomon describes the judgments he thinks constitute emotions as felt bodily appraisals in similar fashion.
MK-801 does not prevent acute stimulatory effects of amphetamine or cocaine on locomotor activity or extracellular dopamine levels in rat nucleus accumbens

Recent work has shown that the development of behavioral sensitization to cocaine, amphetamine, and morphine is prevented by coadministration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists such as MK-801. This suggests that NMDA receptors mediate long-term changes in neuronal responsiveness essential for the development of behavioral sensitization, similar to their role in other forms of neuronal plasticity. However, other studies, suggesting that NMDA receptor antagonists interfere with acute behavioral effects of psychomotor stimulants, call this interpretation into question and suggest that the ability of NMDA antagonists to prevent sensitization may reflect blockade of the acute effects of psychomotor stimulants. To examine this issue, behavioral and microdialysis studies assessed the effect of pretreatment with 0.1 mg/kg MK-801 on the ability of amphetamine and cocaine to stimulate locomotor activity and elevate extracellular dopamine (DA) levels in nucleus accumbens; this dose of MK-801 prevents sensitization when coadministered repeatedly with these stimulants. MK-801 pretreatment enhanced amphetamine-stimulated horizontal locomotion and stereotyped behavior. MK-801 pretreatment produced a modest attenuation of cocaine-stimulated horizontal locomotion, which may have reflected enhancement by MK-801 of certain components of cocaine-stimulated stereotypy. There was no effect of MK-801 pretreatment on the ability of amphetamine or cocaine to elevate extracellular DA levels in nucleus accumbens. These results suggest that the acute effects of cocaine and amphetamine on locomotor activity and extracellular DA levels are not prevented by MK-801, and that MK-801 must act through other mechanisms to prevent the development of behavioral sensitization.
c-Fos expression in brain in response to hypotension and hypertension in conscious rats.

Abstract Hypotension- and hypertension-evoked expression of the protein product, Fos, of the immediate early gene c-fos was assessed throughout the rat brain as an approach for describing the neuronal populations that respond to alterations in arterial blood pressure, Conscious, chronically catheterized rats were treated with the vasoconstricting drug phenylephrine or the vasodilating drug hydralazine to increase or decrease, respectively, arterial pressure by approx, 40 mmHg for 90 min. Rats were then anesthetized, fixed by vascular perfusion, and sections representing the entire brain were processed for the immunocytochemical localization of Fos. In control rats treated with isotonic saline, few Fos-positive neurons were observed. In contrast, phenylephrine and hydralazine treatments resulted in different, yet reproducible, patterns of Fos expression in the brain, with hydralizine evoking Fos expression in more brain regions than phenylephrine. Brain regions containing Fos-positive neurons in rats treated with hydralazine included nucleus tractus solitarius, area postrema, caudal ventrolateral medulla, rostral ventrolateral medulla, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus, subfornical organ and the Islands of Calleja. The nucleus tractus solitarius, paraventricular nucleus and the amygdala also contained Fos-positive neurons in phenylephrine-treated rats, although the number of Fos-positive neurons was always less than that noted in the hydralazine-treated rats and the location of Fos-positive neurons within these regions tended to differ between treatments. These results generally fit within an emerging understanding of brain circuitry underlying cardiovascular regulation.
Topological dynamics in neurobiology.

A mathematical model consisting of three interrelated parts is proposed. The first part is the space of representation in terms of physico-chemical elements, the second the static topologies imposed on this space, and the third the dynamics of the representation space endowed with topological properties. In the present study various relevant mathematical concepts are introduced for each of the three parts. The classification of generic elements for the representation spaces, the group representation of the pathways in terms of braid groups and an algebra for the n-dimensional spatial and m-dimensional temporal space of the dynamic system for the neural activities form the basic ideas of the model. Some experimental results are interpreted as illustrative examples of the formal ideas.
Multi-Chroic Dual-Polarization Bolometric Detectors for Studies of the Cosmic Microwave Background

We are developing multi-chroic antenna-coupled Transition Edge Sensor (TES) bolometer detectors for Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) polarimetry. Multi-chroic detectors increase focal plane area efficiency, and thus the mapping speed per focal plane area, and provide greater discrimination against polarized galactic foregrounds with no increase in weight or cryogenic cost. In each pixel, a silicon lens-coupled dual-polarized sinuous antenna collects photons over a two-octave frequency band. The antenna couples the broadband millimeter wave signal into microstrip transmission lines, and on-chip filter banks split the broadband signal into multiple frequency bands. Separate TES bolometers detect the power in each frequency band and linear polarization state. We will describe the design and performance of these devices and present optical data taken. Our measurements of dual-polarization pixels in multiple frequency bands show beams with percent-level ellipticity, and percent-level cross-polarization leakage. We will also describe the development of large arrays of these multi-chroic pixels. Finally, we will describe kilo-pixel arrays of these detectors planned for the future CMB experiments that will achieve unprecedented mapping speed.
Characterization of currently marketed heparin products: key tests for quality assurance

During the 2007–2008 heparin crisis, it was found that the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) testing monograph for unfractionated heparin sodium (UFH) did not detect the presence of the contaminant, oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS) in heparin. In response to this concern, new tests and specifications were developed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USP and put in place to not only detect the contaminant OSCS but also to improve assurance of quality and purity of the drug product. Additional tests were also developed to monitor the heparin supply chain for other possible economically motivated additives or impurities. In 2009, a new USP monograph was put in place that includes 500 MHz 1H NMR, SAX-HPLC, %galactosamine in total hexosamine, and anticoagulation time assays with purified factor IIa or factor Xa. These tests represent orthogonal approaches for UFH identification, measurement of bioactivity, and for detection of process impurities or contaminants in UFH. The FDA has applied these analytical approaches to the study of UFH active pharmaceutical ingredients in the marketplace. Here, we describe results from a comprehensive survey of UFH collected from seven different sources after the 2009 monograph revision and compare these data with results obtained on other heparin samples collected during the 2007–2008 crisis.
Angiotensin Infusion Effects on Left Ventricular Function* Assessment in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Coronary Disease

Radionuclide multigating of the cardiac cycle was employed to assess effects of angiotensin infusion on left ventricular function. In six normal subjects, angiotensin infusion decreased heart rate (HR) from 72 ± SEM 2 to 57 ± 2 beats/min (P
Temporal Changes in Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Use of Echocardiography in Adult Heart Donors

One reason for refusal of donor hearts is the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, a condition reported to occur in up to 42 % of adults with brain death. Prior studies have suggested that appropriate donor management and evaluation of cardiac dysfunction with serial echocardiography (TTE) can improve organ procurement. The aims of our study are to examine the prevalence and describe longitudinal changes in cardiac dysfunction after brain death. A cross-sectional study was performed using the Life Center Northwest organ database to identify potential adult heart donors diagnosed with brain death between January 2011 and November 2013. 246 potential donors with at least one TTE following brain death were identified. 58 donors received serial TTEs. Echocardiograms were reviewed for cardiac dysfunction, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) <50 % and/or presence of regional wall motion abnormalities. Cardiac dysfunction was present in 74 (30 %) patients. Age, body mass index, EF, and proportion of harvested organs differed significantly between the groups with and without cardiac dysfunction. Among patients receiving serial TTEs, 29 patients had cardiac dysfunction on initial TTE, with 15 (52 %) of these patients demonstrating resolved cardiac dysfunction over time leading to organ harvest. To our knowledge, the present study is the largest study describing the use of serial TTE and its utilization in adult donors. The prevalence of cardiac dysfunction after adult brain death is high, but given enough time and support, many of these donors have improvement in cardiac function, ultimately leading to transplantation.
Inhibition of DNA-primed RNA synthesis during poliovirus infection of human cells.

Abstract It was shown previously that poliovirus infection of HeLa cells leads within several hours to a drastic change in the base ratios of newly-synthesized RNA, and it was suggested that the synthesis of normal cell RNA is inhibited (Holland, 1961) . Data in press indicate that most RNA synthesis during polio-virus infection is virus-directed (Holland, 1963a) and that host cell-controlled RNA synthesis is in fact suppressed up to 90% during poliovirus infection (Holland, 1963b) . The present report concerns the mechanism by which virus suppresses normal cell RNA synthesis. It will be demonstrated that DNA extracted from infected cells is as capable of priming RNA synthesis with E. coli RNA polymerase as normal cell DNA. Even the “native” deoxyribonucleo-proteins of gently-disrupted normal and infected HeLa cells are equal in priming ability for the E. coli RNA polymerase described by Chamberlin and Berg (1962) . However, “aggregate enzyme” (DNA-protein complex containing RNA polymerase [Weiss, 1960]) extracted from infected cells shows only a small fraction of the RNA polymerizing activity of similar preparations extracted from normal cells. Baltimore and Franklin (1962) have recently reported a similar depression of aggregate enzyme activity in Mengo virus infection of mouse cells.
High-density interconnect board design for wafer-level packaging

The main advantage of wafer-level packaging is a smaller, thinner and lighter package with minimised electrical length and lower inductance. Presented is a printed circuit board electrical design to assemble a wafer-level package of a wireless radio core. The link impact and challenges are addressed in both time domain and frequency domain. The high-density interconnect substrate is analysed using a design of experiment technique to test the significance of structured variation. Its signal integrity and power delivery performance are compared with a similar design, but much thicker using a flip-chip package mounted on top of the conventional board. The thin board for wafer-level packaging provides better power delivery and signal performance than the traditional assembly.
Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of jaws. A clinicopathologic study of 11 cases.

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) of the jaws is a highly malignant tumor that recurs, metastasizes, and usually causes death despite aggressive surgical therapy. This clinicopathologic review looks at five patients with MFH of the maxilla and six with MFH of the mandible. Five male and six female patients ranged in age from 12 to 75 years (mean, 35.4 years). All patients had large lytic areas of bone destruction, often with soft tissue extension. Two cases were postirradiation sarcomas, one of the maxilla and the other of the mandible. All patients underwent surgery and eight patients received chemotherapy when disease recurred locally or metastasized. Seven patients had local recurrences 3 to 13 months following surgery, and six patients had distant metastases. Of the 11 patients, 7 died of their disease, 1 died of unknown causes, and another with extensive local disease was lost to follow-up after 1.7 years. Two patients with recurrent disease are alive at 18 and 27 months postoperatively. Cancer 56: 1590-1596, 1985.
Effect of calf removal on serum luteinizing hormone and cortisol concentrations in postpartum beef cows

Serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and cortisol concentrations were measured in ten fall calving, Angus cows averaging 38 +/- 8 days postpartum. Calves from five cows were weaned at the beginning of the study. Blood samples were collected at 20 min. intervals for 48 h after weaning and for 8 h on day 4 and day 6 postweaning. Mean serum LH concentrations increased (P<0.01) in weaned cows (W) from 0.55 +/- 0.01 ng/ml at time of calf removal to 1.3 +/- 0.04 ng/ml 48 h afterwards. Comparable LH concentrations for suckled cows (S) were 0.65 +/- 0.08 ng/ml and 0.62 +/- 0.03 ng/ml respectively. Average serum LH concentrations at 48 h after weaning were greater (P<0.01) for W cows than S cows and a treatment by time interaction occurred (P<0.01) with serum LH concentrations increasing (P<0.01) from time of calf removal to 48 h after calf removal in W cows. Frequency of LH peaks increased (P<0.01) in W cows and by 48 h after weaning was greater (P<0.01) in W cows than in S cows. Magnitude of LH peaks did not differ between the two groups. Serum cortisol concentrations were not different between W and S cows except for a transient elevation (P<0.01) in W cows from 7.6 +/- 0.9 ng/ml to 11.9 +/- 1.0 ng/ml 9 to 12 h after calf removal. Since serum LH concentrations were increased in W cows but not in S cows at 48 h and serum cortisol concentrations increased transiently in W cows we suggest that circulating cortisol levels may not be a physiological inhibitor of LH secretion in the suckled postpartum beef cow.
Social Work, Women, and Feminism: A Review of Social Work Journals, 1988-1997

This article surveys articles containing women's content that were published in 17 social work journals from 1988 to 1997. It discusses the journals in which content on women was most and least lik...
Does cyclic 3' ,5'-adenosine monophosphate act as second messenger in a voltage-dependent response to 5-hydroxytryptamine in Aplysia?

1 The possibility that cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) mediates a voltage-dependent inward current elicited by 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in RB and LB cells of the abdominal ganglion of Aplysia was tested. 2 Intracellular injection of cyclic AMP elicited an inward current with a similar time course, potential dependence and ionic sensitivity as the response to 5-HT. 3 Intracellular injection of guanylyl imidodiphosphate (GMP-PNP), which activated adenylate cyclase, neither mimicked nor enhanced the 5-HT-evoked current. On the contrary, it reduced the current. 4 The phosphodiesterase inhibitors, Ro20-1724, isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX) and theophylline, each antagonized the voltage-dependent response to 5-HT. To varying degrees they each induced an inward current. 5 The adenylate cyclase antagonist, dithiobisnitrobenzoic acic (DTNB), had no effect on the response to 5-HT when applied either intracellularly or extracellularly. Intracellular injection of the phosphodiesterase activator imidazole also had no effect. 6 Tubocurarine and neostigmine did not reduce the voltage-dependent inward current evoked by 5-HT; methysergide elicited an inward current. 7 Although the observations that cyclic AMP and 5-HT can evoke similar voltage-dependent inward currents in RB and LB neurones of Aplysia might suggest a second messenger role for the cyclic nucleotide, the pharmacological data are inconsistent with this hypothesis.
The topography of long nuclear chain intrafusal fibers in the cat muscle spindle.

Muscle spindles were studied histochemically in serial transverse sections of specimens of the cat tenuissimus muscle. The nuclear chain intrafusal muscles fibers were separated into three subtypes, called long, intermediate and typical. The long chain and intermediate chain fibers tended to assume a particular position within the axial bundle of intrafusal fibers. The fibers were usually located in that layer of chain fibers that was positioned farthest away from the bag2 fiber. Furthermore, they were usually situated adjacent to the bag1 fiber throughout much of the extent of the spindle pole. Some long chain and intermediate chain fibers had several fiber nuclei abreast at the equator rather than a single row of central nuclei, as in most nuclear chain fibers. The relative position of intrafusal fibers within the cat spindle may reflect their order of formation during development, with the fibers retaining, to a variable degree, their association with the bag2 fiber which acted as template. Thus, the axial position of long chain and intermediate chain fibers suggests that they are among the first nuclear chain fibers to form. This may play a role in the known preferential innervation of these chain fibers by skeleto-fusimotor axons.
Temporary reduction of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) immediately following auditory brainstem response (ABR)

The hearing status of an experimental animal is typically assessed in the laboratory setting by the combined use of auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs), carried out in succession, with the former assay preceding the latter. This study reports a cautionary finding that the use of this accepted regimen yields a reduced DPOAE response. When the DPOAEs were performed after ABR testing, transient reduction of the DPOAE amplitudes was observed at all frequencies in both the inbred, C57/B6 and FVB/N, and the outbred, SW mouse strains. DPOAEs were reduced post-ABR in multiple mouse strains which suggests that this finding is not strain-specific but a general consequence of the preceding ABR analysis. The reduction in DPOAE was temporary: when re-tested at one hour, DPOAE amplitudes recovered to pre-ABR levels. In contrast to the ABR's impact on DPOAE response, ABR thresholds were not altered or reduced when preceded immediately by DPOAE measurements. The molecular alterations underlying the ABR-induced transient reduction of DPOAE remain to be determined. To investigate the potential role of reactive oxygen species in post-ABR DPOAE reduction, transgenic mice over-expressing SOD1, the cytoplasmic enzyme critical for removal of superoxide radicals were subjected to the same auditory testing regimen. Similar to their wild type littermates, the SOD1 transgenic mice also demonstrated post-ABR DPOAE reduction, and thus do not support a role for superoxide radicals in transient reduction of DPOAE. While toxic noise exposure is known to negatively impact OAE, transient decrease in DPOAE levels following standard ABR assay has not been previously described. A practical outcome from this study is a recommendation for reversal of the traditional order for carrying out auditory tests, with the OAE measurements preceding ABR assessment, thus ensuring that the DPOAE response is unaffected.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases: From Housekeeping Enzymes to Master-Regulators of Signal Transduction

There are many misconceptions surrounding the roles of protein phosphatases in the regulation of signal transduction, perhaps the most damaging of which is the erroneous view that these enzymes exert their effects merely as constitutively active housekeeping enzymes. On the contrary, the phosphatases are critical, specific regulators of signalling in their own right and serve an essential function, in a coordinated manner with the kinases, to determine the response to a physiological stimulus. This review is a personal perspective on the development of our understanding of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family of enzymes. I have discussed various aspects of the structure, regulation and function of the protein tyrosine phosphatase family, which I hope will illustrate the fundamental importance of these enzymes in the control of signal transduction.
Maltreatment and Families’ Receipt of Services: Associations with Reunification, Kinship Care, and Adoption:

We examined matched services’ impact on reunification, kinship care, and adoption through secondary data analysis with a sample (extracted from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Bein...
The L-type calcium channel alpha 1C subunit gene undergoes extensive, uncoordinated alternative splicing.

The α1C subunit is the pore-forming protein for the L-type calcium channel. Previous studies indicate that there is possible tissue-specific alternative splicing of this gene. In this study we cloned the entire open reading frame of the α1C subunit cDNA from adult rat cardiac myocytes in a single piece (6.64 kb). Using 75 positive clones that were identified by restriction enzyme mapping, we tested the alternative splicing patterns of the Cav1.2 gene that encodes the α1C subunit protein and focused on five loci: IS6, post-IS6, IIIS2, IVS3, and the c-terminus. The results indicate that: (1) alternative splicing occurs in most of the loci, giving rise to two or three different isoforms at those sites; (2) there is a predominant form for each splicing site, (3) there does not appear to be consistent coordination of splicing at multiple loci of this gene. Alternative splicing is not tissue-specific in most regions. (Mol Cell Biochem 269: 153–163, 2005)
Reduced transfusion requirement with use of fresh whole blood in pediatric cardiac surgical procedures.

Background Pediatric patients undergoing cardiac operations are at high risk for blood loss and transfusion. A practice intended to reduce transfusion using a standard order of 2 units fresh whole blood ( Methods Retrospective data from a surgical registry and blood bank records for 15 consecutive years were analyzed. Transfusion requirements were identified as donor exposures for the day of operation and the next postoperative day. Transfusions were fresh whole blood, packed red blood cells, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. Donor exposures for subgroups according to procedure and age were compared with those in published reports. Results The cohort consisted of 4,111 patients with a median age of 94 days and a median weight of 4.4 kg. The median donor exposure was 2 (range, 0 to 28). Younger patients having complex procedures had the most donor exposures. Fewer donor exposures were incurred in all subgroups compared with reports of component use in the literature. Conclusions The use of fresh whole blood for cardiac operations in children younger than 2 years old reduces donor exposures compared with published reports of component use.
The Formation of Stable Rhodopsin-Arrestin Complexes Induces Apoptosis and Photoreceptor Cell Degeneration

Although many different mutations in humans and Drosophila cause retinal degeneration, in most cases, a molecular mechanism for the degeneration has not been found. We now demonstrate the existence of stable, persistent complexes between rhodopsin and its regulatory protein arrestin in several different retinal degeneration mutants. Elimination of these rhodopsin-arrestin complexes by removing either rhodopsin or arrestin rescues the degeneration phenotype. Furthermore, we show that the accumulation of these complexes triggers apoptotic cell death and that the observed retinal degeneration requires the endocytic machinery. This suggests that the endocytosis of rhodopsin-arrestin complexes is a molecular mechanism for the initiation of retinal degeneration. We propose that an identical mechanism may be responsible for the pathology found in a subset of human retinal degenerative disorders.
The rise and fall of Dionysius Lardner

Summary Dionysius Lardner (1793–1859) rose to prominence in the 1830s as a popular scientific writer, lecturer and British literary figure. He became popular by promoting the ideals of scientific self-education, technological progress, and the practical applicability of science. His rapid fall from public favour after 1840 partly resulted from his involvement in a marital scandal; prior to that scandal, however, his character had provoked satire, and his caution and even pessimism about some technological prospects had offended the confident hopes of the audiences of that time, confident hopes which Lardner had helped to create.
Effects of Proton Irradiation on Several Spacecraft Science Components

In connection with programs for the exploration of the outer planets, several models have been developed and used to analyze the radiation hazard to the spacecraft. Typical components found in space flight science instruments have been tested to determine their capability to function properly before, after and, in some cases during, exposures to energy equivalenced levels predicted by the models. A summary of proton-irradiation tests is provided.
Alkenyliron complexes. Cycloaddition reactions of organoiron metalloalkadienes

Abstract The metalloalkadienes, 2-Fp-1,3-butadiene ( 5 ), 1-Fp-1,3-butadiene ( 6 ), and 1-Fp-3-methyl-1,3-butadiene ( 7 ) (Fp = η-C 5 H 5 (CO) 2 Fe) form Diels-Alder adducts with a variety of electrophilic dienophiles. Kinetic experiments have demonstrated that 5 is at least 100 times more reactive toward dimethyl acetylene dicarboxylate than 2-trimethylsiloxy-1,3-butadiene. 5 and toluene sulfonyl isocyanate from an imino lactone that is thought to arise via a stepwise process involving ionic species. The synthetic utility of 5 is limited by its low decomposition point (110°C) and the formation of nearly equimolar quantities of the 1,3- and 1,4-positional isomers of cycloadducts derived from several asymmetric dienophiles.
Effects of Exercise on Atrial Natriuretic Factor: Release Mechanisms and Implications for Fluid Homeostasis

Atrial natriuretic factor is reported to be elevated during and immediately following exercise and is thought to play a role in fluid homeostasis and cardiovascular regulation. The predominant stimuli for atrial natriuretic factor release during exercise appear to be increases in atrial pressures or atrial distension, both of which are reported to increase with exercise. The intensity and perhaps duration of exercise also influence the magnitude of the atrial natriuretic factor response. It is not clear if the rise in plasma atrial natriuretic factor during exercise plays any role in altering renal function since high intensity exercise is typically associated with an antidiuresis. However, elevations in plasma atrial natriuretic factor may in part be responsible for the increase in urine flow reported when exercise is performed at low or moderate intensities. Atrial natriuretic factor also has vascular effects which may be important in buffering or moderating the blood pressure response to exercise. The atrial natriuretic factor response to exercise and basal levels of the hormone are greatly elevated in patients who suffer from a variety of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease conditions. These elevated plasma atrial natriuretic factor values are associated with increases in atrial pressure and appear to be related to the severity of disease. Although much controversy exists regarding the renal and vascular effects of atrial natriuretic factor, the measurement of this hormone, particularly during exercise, may be of clinical value by providing an additional tool to evaluate patients and determine the effectiveness of various treatment regimens.
Evolution of sex chromosomes in Sauropsida

Reptiles (sauropsids) represent the sister group to mammals, and the basal members of Reptilia may provide a good model for the condition of the common ancestor of both groups. Sex-determining mechanisms (SDM) and organizations of sex chromosomes among genotypically sex-determining (GSD) species vary widely across reptiles. Birds and snakes, for example, are entirely GSD whereas other reptiles, like all crocodilians, exhibit temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD). Here we explore the evolution of sex chromosomes and SDM within reptiles, using family-level analyses of character evolution and applying parsimony, likelihood, Bayesian, and stochastic methods. We find support for the common ancestor of amphisbaenians and whiptail lizards (Laterata) possessing the XY (male heterogametic) GSD mechanism, while the ancestors of Testudines and Crocodylia, as well as the larger group Archosauromorpha (here containing turtles) are inferred to have exhibited TSD. We also find evidence consistent with the hypothesis that the XY system is more labile and evolves faster than does the ZW (female heterogametic) system. Phylogenetic-based speciation tests do not support an association between GSD and speciation, and reject the hypothesis that the presence of the XY system is associated with speciation in reptiles.
Synthesis and properties of sterically congested cyclopentadienes and their transition metal complexes

The synthesis of 1,3-dialkyl substituted cyclopentadienes, C5H4RR', Cp'H (Va-g) (where R and R' are tert-butyl, isopropyl, neo-pentyl, cyclohexyl, or 1-methylcyclohexyl) is reported. These are synthesized by the nucleophilic addition of methyl or hydride anions to the corresponding 2-alkyl-6,6-dialkylfulvenes (IIIa-f) followed by hydrolysis. These substituted 1,3-cyclopentadienes have been converted to organometallic derivatives such as [Cp'Fe(CO)2]2, [Cp'M(CO)3Me] (M = Mo or W) and Cp'2Fe. The spectroscopic and electrochemical properties of selected complexes have been investigated to probe the steric and electronic properties of the substituted cyclopentadienyl ligands.
Speech Breathing in Parkinson’s Disease

Breathing was investigated in 14 male subjects with Parkinson’s disease and 14 healthy male control subjects. Kinematic, spirometric, acoustic, and pressure data were used to assess function during...
Limbaugh's Loose Lips: Rush Limbaugh's Image Repair after the Sandra Fluke Controversy

Radio personality Rush Limbaugh sparked a firestorm in February 2012 after calling Georgetown University law student, Sandra Fluke, a “slut” for her testimony before congress advocating mandated contraceptive coverage. After a 3-day tirade aimed at Fluke, and in the face of fleeing sponsors and heightened criticism, Limbaugh issued a formal apology to Fluke. This article applies Image Repair Theory to Limbaugh's discourse including both his initial defensive remarks and his formal apology. Although Limbaugh utilized a combination of image repair strategies, in focusing solely on the words he used to describe Fluke, this analysis finds his defense largely ineffective.
VALIDITY OF A CONFIGURAL INTERPRETATION OF THE INTELLECTUAL SCREENING AND ACHIEVEMENT SCALES OF THE PERSONALITY INVENTORY FOR CHILDREN

One hundred children (61 males, 39 females), ages six to fifteen (M = nine years, seven months), were given a WISC-R and Wide Range Achievement Test (WRAT), as part of a standard assessment battery (when they were evaluated at a university psychological teaching clinic for a variety of educational and/or emotional problems) for screening relative to programs for bright and gifted children, or as non-clinical clients. A parent of each child completed the Personality Inventory for Children (PIC). PIC Achievement and Intellectual Screening scales were related to IQ scores on the WISC-R and to standard scores on the WRAT by using correlational and multiple regression analyses. The Achievement scale was found to be a more powerful predictor of every WISC-R IQ score and of every WRAT standard score than was the Intellectual Screening score. Implications for interpretation are discussed.