cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Amiloride is neuroprotective in an MPTP model of Parkinson's disease

The diuretic amiloride has recently proven neuroprotective in models of cerebral ischemia, a property attributable to the drug's inhibition of central acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs). Given that Parkinson's disease (PD), like ischemia, is associated with cerebral lactic acidosis, we tested amiloride in the MPTP-treated mouse, a model of PD also manifesting lactic acidosis. Amiloride was found to protect substantia nigra (SNc) neurons from MPTP-induced degeneration, as determined by attenuated reductions in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine transporter (DAT) immunohistochemistry, as well as smaller declines in striatal DAT radioligand binding and dopamine levels. More significantly, amiloride also preserved dopaminergic cell bodies in the SNc. Administration of psalmotoxin venom (PcTX), an ASIC1a blocker, resulted in a much more modest effect, attenuating only the deficits in striatal DAT binding and dopamine. These findings represent the first experimental evidence of a potential role for ASICs in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease.
Kinetic analysis of the stepwise formation of a long-range DNA interstrand cross-link by a dinuclear platinum antitumor complex: evidence for aquated intermediates and formation of both kinetically and thermodynamically controlled conformers.

Reported here is a detailed study of the kinetics and mechanism of formation of a 1,4 GG interstrand cross-link by [{trans-PtCl(NH3)2}2(μ-NH2(CH2)nNH2)]2+ (1,1/t,t (n = 6), 1), the prototype of a n...
On Relaxation Spectra in High Polymers

Spectra of relaxation times have been constructed for a fabric-filled and a cord-filled phenolic of commercial type by combining the results of torsion tests on cylindrical specimens over a relatively wide range of strain rates and temperatures. The resulting spectra are not unimodal and extend over thirty to forty orders of magnitude.
Some Comparative and Design Aspects of Series Production Systems

Abstract This paper presents a brief critical review and a comparative study of some design aspects of the series production systems with a special emphasis on the design of buffer stocks. These aspects include paced and unpaced production flow lines, fixed cycle production (serial and sequential lines), allocation and capacity design of buffers, effect of variable operation times, the effect of unbalancing (bowl phenomenon), etc. Some of the results and discussions used in this paper have been adopted from available sources, and the rest have been compiled and/or calculated from the recent literature as mentioned therein. A general conclusion is made to the salient issues prevailing in the design of production systems.
The 3He(α, γ)7Be reaction at very low energy

Abstract Absolute cross sections for the 3He(α, γ)7Be reaction were determined for c.m. energies between 164 and 245 keV. The results are in good agreement with previous values obtained by Parker and Kavanagh, where the experiments overlap. The energy region was extended to lower energies and the accuracy of the measurement was improved.
Light scattering of normal human lens. II. Age dependence of the light scattering parameters.

Fifteen human lenses from age 2 to 81 years were investigated. Six to eight thin sections (20 μm)were cut perpendicular to the visual axis from each lens. The light scattering intensities of the thin sections were obtained as a function of scattering angles. The data were analyzed using random density and orientation fluctuation theories. The structural parameters, such as the size of protein aggregates, their separation distance, their concentration, etc. were plotted as a function of position within the lens as well as a function of age. The data indicate that the parameter that changes most with aging is the refractive index difference between protein aggregates and their surrounding. This implies that in aging syneresis is the most important process, namely a gradual loss of water of hydration from the protein aggregates.
Family Law in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Family law is the law of everyday life. It can serve as a first step in transforming social realities and fostering equal rights for women. This study develops an index that measures how equally family law codes treat men and women in the nations in sub‐Saharan Africa. It uses this index to determine what relationships correlate with women's equality in the home. The findings of this research suggest that respect for individual rights, the presence of powerful women in the public sphere, and both African and international NGOs can provide the framework necessary to change repressive family law provisions in sub‐Saharan nations. This knowledge should help African women shape the contours of the laws that govern their daily lives.
Yield Response of Corn to Crowding Stress

Plants grown at noncompetitive densities (isolated plants) can be used to relate competitive pressure on yield and yield components at high plant densities. The main objective of this research was to quantify the sensitivity of grain yield and its components to manipulation of crowding stress in corn (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted in Deerfield, MA (1986, 1987, and 2000), and Shoush, Iran (1998 and 1999). Three single-ear corn hybrids were planted at six densities (0.25, 3, 4.5, 6, 9, and 12 plants m -2 ), the lowest density being considered an isolated density. The higher three densities (6, 9, and 12 plants m -2 ) were combined with three removal treatments, consisting of removal of alternate plants in rows at different stages of growth. Intensity of competition was quantified by comparing grain yield and its components of plants in these densities with those of isolated plants. The highest grain yield in all experimental sites was obtained from 9 plants m -2 and for total biomass yield between 9 and 12 plants m -2 . Kernel yield per plant decreased linearly in all hybrids as plant density intensified. All yield components had a linear decline in response to increased competition pressure. The reduction in kernel yield was attributed most to the reduction in number of kernels per row. Removal treatments indicated that early competition during vegetative growth had no or little effect on final grain yield. Plant competition between the vegetative stage and anthesis had a large effect on grain yield reduction, which ranged from 8 to 21% in different hybrids and experimental sites. Increased assimilate supply through plant removal again confirmed that adjustments in grain yield occurred primarily through kernel number per row.
Effects of Salinity on Growth, Survival, and Selected Hematological Parameters of Juvenile Cobia Rachycentron canadum

Cobia Rachycentron canadum juveniles (119.7 mm TL, weight 8.5 g) were reared for 10 wk at three salinity levels: 5 ppt, 15 ppt. and 30 ppt. Growth and survival were determined through biweekly sampling. Blood samples obtained at termination of the study were analyzed to determine hematocrit, blood osmolality, and total protein. Results indicated that the overall growth of fish was significantly affected by salinity. Mean (± SE) total length (TL) and weight of fish reared at a salinity of 30 ppt were 201.7 ± 2.6 mm and 47.6 ± 1.9 g, respectively, followed by fish reared at 15 ppt (182.2 ± 1.7 mm, 34.1 ± 1.6 g). and 5 ppt (168.3 ± 5.8 mm TL, 28.3 ± 2.3 g). Differences in specific growth rates among treatments for the 10-wk period were also significant. No differences were detected in mean survival among fish reared at salinities of 5, 15, and 30 ppt (84, 94, and 94%, respectively). However, fish reared at salinity 5 ppt appeared to be in poor health as skin lesions, fin erosion, and discoloration were evident. Analysis of blood revealed that, while no differences existed among treatments with respect to plasma total protein, fish reared at a salinity of 5 ppt exhibited significantly reduced hematocrit (25% vs. > 30%) and plasma osmolality values (318 vs. > 353 mmolkg) relative to fish reared at higher salinities. Cobia can tolerate exposure to low salinity environments for short periods of time without mortality; however, moderate to high salinities are required for sustained growth and health of this species.
Identification of two novel activities of the Wnt signaling regulator Dickkopf 3 and characterization of its expression in the mouse retina

The Wnt signaling pathway is a cellular communication pathway that plays critical roles in development and disease. A major class of Wnt signaling regulators is the Dickkopf (Dkk) family of secreted glycoproteins. Although the biological properties of Dickkopf 1 (Dkk1) and Dickkopf 2 (Dkk2) are well characterized, little is known about the function of the related Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3) protein in vivo or in cell lines. We recently demonstrated that Dkk3 transcripts are upregulated during photoreceptor death in a mouse model of retinal degeneration. In this study, we characterized the activity of Dkk3 in Wnt signaling and cell death. Dkk3 was localized to Muller glia and retinal ganglion cells in developing and adult mouse retina. Western blotting confirmed that Dkk3 is secreted from Muller glia cells in culture. We demonstrated that Dkk3 potentiated Wnt signaling in Muller glia and HEK293 cells but not in COS7 cells, indicating that it is a cell-type specific regulator of Wnt signaling. This unique Dkk3 activity was blocked by co-expression of Dkk1. Additionally, Dkk3 displayed pro-survival properties by decreasing caspase activation and increasing viability in HEK293 cells exposed to staurosporine and H2O2. In contrast, Dkk3 did not protect COS7 cells from apoptosis. These data demonstrate that Dkk3 is a positive regulator of Wnt signaling, in contrast to its family member Dkk1. Furthermore, Dkk3 protects against apoptosis by reducing caspase activity, suggesting that Dkk3 may play a cytoprotective role in the retina.
Metallurgical re-examination of wear modes I: erosive, electrical arcing and fretting

Abstract Solid particle erosion, electrical-arc-induced wear, fretting corrosion and fretting wear modes were studied. Scanning electron microscope examinations generally show significant differences in the different wear modes. Further scanning and transmission electron microscope examinations of the cross sections of worn samples show very little, if any, plastic deformation near the worn surfaces. Microhardness measurements on the cross section of arced samples show an increase of about 25% near the worn surface. Surface analysis of fretting and fretting corrosion wear samples show the existence of an adherent layer that is heavily oxidized in most cases. The source of the adherent layer can be either of the two mating surfaces. It was also found that the same surface may undergo both loss of the original surface layer and gain of an adherent layer. The metallurgical techniques described in this paper can be successfully used to diagnose the wear of solid surfaces.
Index of Suspicion in the Nursery: Prolonged Jaundice in Twins

A pair of twin sisters in the nursery remain persistently jaundiced at 1 month of age. The dichorionic diamniotic twins were born at 32 weeks’ gestation to a 29-year-old Asian woman. This was her third pregnancy, and she has a 1½-year-old daughter at home. The pregnancy and delivery were uncomplicated, with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 at 1 and 5 minutes, respectively, for the twins. Twin A weighed 1,333 g and twin B weighed 1,469 g. The initial course for these appropriately grown twins was unremarkable, except for some respiratory distress requiring nasal cannula supplemental oxygen, thermoregulation in an isolette, gavage feedings with human milk, and apnea and bradycardia treated successfully with caffeine. They now are in cribs, receiving human milk exclusively, and otherwise well. The mother's blood type is O Rh-positive and the babies’ blood type is B Rh-positive. Results of a direct Coombs test are negative. Serum bilirubin profile, hemoglobin, and phototherapy treatment for one of the twins are outlined in Table 1; the profile is similar for both twins. Physical examination yields unremarkable findings except for jaundice. Both infants are growing along the …
Biochemical and Electron Microscopic Image Analysis of the Hexameric E1 Helicase

Abstract DNA replication initiator proteins bind site specifically to origin sites and in most cases participate in the early steps of unwinding the duplex. The papillomavirus preinitiation complex that assembles on the origin of replication is composed of proteins E1 and the activator protein E2. E2 is an ancillary factor that increases the affinity of E1 for the ori site through cooperative binding. Here we show that duplex DNA affects E1 (in the absence of E2) to assemble into an active hexameric structure. As a 10-base oligonucleotide can also induce this oligomerization, it seems likely that DNA binding allosterically induces a conformation that enhances hexamers. E1 assembles as a bi-lobed, presumably double hexameric structure on duplex DNA and can initiate bi-directional unwinding from an ori site. The DNA takes an apparent straight path through the double hexamers. Image analysis of E1 hexameric rings shows that the structures are heterogeneous and have either a 6- or 3-fold symmetry. The rings are about 40–50 A thick and 125 A in diameter. The density of the central cavity appears to be a variable and we speculate that a plugged center may represent a conformational flexibility of a subdomain of the monomer, to date unreported for other hexameric helicases.
The inhibitory effects of nitrous oxide and methylmercury in vivo on methionine synthase (EC 2.1.1.13) activity in the brain, liver, ovary and spinal cord of the rat.

Abstract 1. 1. Baseline levels of methionine synthase (MS) activity in spinal cord and ovary from female rats were comparable to activities seen in brain and liver. 2. 2. Exposure (1 hr) of female rats to 50% nitrous oxide (N2O) caused significant decreases in MS in brain, liver, and spinal cord and a sharp drop in ovary. 3. 3. Four daily injections of 6 mg/kg methylmercury (MM) caused a significant decrease in MS activity in brain and a decrease in mean MS activity in ovary and spinal cord. 4. 4. Results from a combined treatment with MM and N2) suggests additive inhibition of MS by these agents.
Effects of x‐irradiation on lens regeneration in adult Triturus viridescens

Lens regeneration was inhibited in adult Triturus v. with 1500 r of x-irradiation. Implants of irradiated or unirradiated segments of dorsal iris were then implanted into either irradiated or unirradiated eyes. When irradiated eyes received irradiated implants, only minor degrees of lens regeneration were seen from host and implant. Unirradiated eyes receiving unirradiated implants often formed two normal lenses, one from the host and one from the implant. Irradiated eyes receiving unirradiated implants usually formed one normal regenerate arising from the implant. Unirradiated eyes receiving irradiated implants usually formed only one normal regenerate, originating from the host. The results indicate that inhibition of lens regeneration by x-irradiation is due to effects solely on the iris, and that unirradiated neural retina, under the experimental conditions used, does not stimulate recovery of the regenerative ability of an irradiated iris. These results are discussed in relation to the question of neural-tissue-mediated recovery of regeneration systems from x-irradiation.
Amorphous Molybdenum Sulfide Catalysts for Electrochemical Hydrogen Production: Insights into the Origin of their Catalytic Activity

We present a scalable wet chemical synthesis for a catalytically active nanostructured amorphous molybdenum sulfide material. The catalyst film is one of the most active nonprecious metal materials for electrochemical hydrogen evolution, drawing 10 mA/cm2 at ∼200 mV overpotential. To identify the active phase of the material, we perform X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy after testing under a variety of conditions. As deposited, the catalyst resembles amorphous MoS3, but domains resembling MoS2 in composition and chemical state are created under reaction conditions and may contribute to this material’s high electrochemical activity. The activity scales with electrochemically active surface area, suggesting that the rough, nanostructured catalyst morphology also contributes substantially to the film’s high activity. Electrochemical stability tests indicate that the catalyst remains highly active throughout prolonged operation. The overpotential required to attain a current density of 10 mA/cm2 increases by o...
Simple branching ratios and sum rules in peripheral reactions

Abstract Derivations are presented of several experimental predictions which follow either from the additivity quark model or from particle exchange models with broken SU(3). The minimum set of assumptions required to give each prediction is discussed in order to specify exactly which theoretical points are tested in each case by comparison with experiment.
Neurocognitive predictors of source monitoring in schizophrenia.

Abstract Rationale Source monitoring (SM) is a metacognitive process involved in making judgments about the origin of information by recruiting cognitive processes. Deficits in SM have been linked to positive symptoms of schizophrenia. We investigated whether certain neurocognitive functions – specifically attention, working memory, and organizational sequencing – were associated with SM in a sample of schizophrenia patients. Methods Attention (Auditory Continuous Performance Test), organizational sequencing (Trail-Making Test B–A), working memory (Digits Backward), and internal SM were assessed in 45 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Results Standard multiple regression analysis showed attention, working memory and organizational sequencing together predicted SM. Organizational sequencing was the only significant individual predictor, with better organizational sequencing ability being associated with better SM. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that working memory by itself did not result in a significant predictive model of SM, but adding organizational sequencing led to a significant change from the working memory model and resulted in a significant overall model, accounting for 26% of the variance in SM. Conclusions Neurocognitive functions were associated with SM in schizophrenia. Organizational sequencing, which requires an awareness of self-generated actions, predicted SM performance even after controlling for working memory.
Differential Freeze-Out and Pion Interferometry at RHIC from Covariant Transport Theory

Puzzling discrepancies between recent pion interferometry data on Au+Au reactions at square root of s=30 and 200 AGeV from RHIC and predictions based on ideal hydrodynamics are analyzed in terms of covariant parton transport theory. The discrepancies in the R(out)/R(side) ratio are significantly reduced when the finite opacity of the gluon plasma is taken into account. However, the magnitude of the radii is not well accounted for.
Effect of oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed®) on the expression of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in human peritoneal fibroblasts and mesothelial cells

Objective To characterize the molecular changes that occur in normal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells as a result of exposure to oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed®; Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc., New Brunswick, NJ). Design Control and Interceed®-treated normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells in culture were assessed for messenger RNA levels of molecules known to be associated with adhesion development, using multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (n = 4). Setting University research laboratory. Patient(s) Normal and adhesion fibroblasts and mesothelial cells. Intervention(s) Exposure of cells, normal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells to oxidized regenerated cellulose. Main Outcome Measure(s) Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction expression of messenger RNA tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and tPA–PAI-1 ratio, an indicator of overall fibrinolytic activity. Result(s) Interceed® treatment of normal peritoneal fibroblasts, adhesion fibroblasts, and mesothelial cells results in an increased expression of tPA in mesothelial cells and an increase in the tPA–PAI-1 ratio, signifying an overall increase in fibrinolytic activity. Conclusion(s) Interceed®, which has been shown in multiple human in vivo studies to decrease postoperative adhesion development, increases the expression of tPA and the tPA–PAI-1 ratio (an indicator of overall fibrinolytic activity), thereby promoting dissolution of fibrin and healing without adhesion development. Thus, the ability of Interceed® to reduce postoperative adhesion development may be derived from both a barrier and biologic effect.
Christian Values and Economic Ethics

Addresses the question: “Are Christian values reflected in contemporary American economic ethics?” Compares the ethics dictated by neoclassical production theory with the Christian production values found in Pope John Paul II′s encyclical, Laborem Exercens . The encyclical rejects the notion that output is the primary goal of production. The implication is that neoclassical production theory is necessary, but not sufficient. Public policy in the United States has long been based on neoclassical production theory. In the last decade, the downsizing and restructuring of production has heightened emphasis on neoclassical production efficiencies. During this period, prevailing economic ethics were largely in conflict with Christian values. The fledgling policy initiatives of the Clinton administration suggest a commitment to reshape policy in ways which more positively incorporate a number of the reforms suggested by Laborem Exercens. If a new economic (production) ethic evolves out of these commitments, the ...
Coronary collateral regression in conscious dogs

To study the effect of long-term coronary reperfusion on regression of newly developed collateral vessels, the authors reoccluded the coronary artery for ten minutes following one to fifteen weeks of reperfusion. They repeated one- or two-minute occlusions of the left circumflex coronary artery (LCCA) in 8 conscious dogs. After 401 ±202 (SD) minutes of total LCCA occlusion time (35 ± 19 days), the LCCA occlusion produced no sustained reduction in regional myocardial shortening and negligible reactive hyperemia. Upon reocclusion following a long-term reperfusion, the subendocardial segment shortening in the region at risk deteriorated markedly. At two minutes of occlusion, percent systolic shortening showed minimal values and thereafter gradually returned to the preocclusion resting levels within six to eight minutes of occlusion. In the presence of a resting heart rate similar to that at the time of functional recovery during the LCCA occlusion, long-term reperfusion did not modify the time course of regi...
Molecular Enzymology of Mammalian Δ1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate Synthase ALTERNATIVE SPLICE DONOR UTILIZATION GENERATES ISOFORMS WITH DIFFERENT SENSITIVITY TO ORNITHINE INHIBITION

Abstract Δ1-Pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS; EC not assigned), a mitochondrial inner membrane, ATP- and NADPH-dependent, bifunctional enzyme, catalyzes the reduction of glutamate to Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate, a critical step in the de novo biosynthesis of proline and ornithine. We utilized published plant P5CS sequence to search the expressed sequence tag data base and cloned two full-length human P5CS cDNAs differing in length by 6 base pairs (bp) in the open reading frame. The short cDNA has a 2379-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 793 residues; the long cDNA, generated by “exon sliding,” a form of alternative splicing, contains an additional 6-bp insert following bp +711 of the short form resulting in inclusion of two additional amino acids in the region predicted to be the γ-glutamyl kinase active site of P5CS. The long form predominates in all tissues examined except gut. We also isolated the corresponding long and short murine P5CS transcripts. To confirm the identity of the putative P5CS cDNAs, we expressed both human forms in γ-glutamyl kinase- and γ-glutamyl phosphate reductase-deficient strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae and showed that they conferred the proline prototrophy. Additionally, we found expression of the murine putative P5CS cDNAs conferred proline prototrophy to P5CS-deficient Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO-K1). We utilized stable CHO-K1 cell transformants to compare the biochemical characteristics of the long and short murine P5CS isoforms. We found that both confer P5CS activity and that the short isoform is inhibited by l-ornithine with a K i of ∼0.25 mm. Surprisingly, the long isoform is insensitive to ornithine inhibition. Thus, the two amino acid insert in the long isoform abolishes feedback inhibition of P5CS activity by l-ornithine.
Lipase-mediated hydrolysis of corn DDGS oil: Kinetics of linoleic acid production

Abstract In this study, we investigated the kinetics of linoleic acid production via lipase-mediated hydrolysis of corn DDGS oil in a batch reactor with continuous mechanical agitation and developed a kinetic model that incorporated the product inhibition to study the complete hydrolysis. The model agreed very well with observed data; though situations with low enzyme dosage or low stirring rates were modeled successfully without product inhibition, actual product concentration in such situations was too low to exert any inhibitory effects. Increasing the enzyme concentration increased hydrolysis, and beyond certain enzyme concentrations, effects tended to fade away because of excessive enzyme desorption from the interface. An enzyme dosage within the range of 40–60 KLU/L of oil dispersion could be successfully applied for a substrate concentration of 25–50 g/L of DDGS oil. Increasing the agitation rates improved enzymatic hydrolysis, but a higher stirring rate of 1000 rpm moderately improved production of linoleic acid compared with a stirring rate of 750 rpm. Within the range of substrate concentrations studied, enzymatic inhibition was moderate but still evident. The high degree of hydrolysis (i.e., ∼96% of theoretical linoleic acid yield) from DDGS oil suggests this method has potential for commercial production of linoleic acid.
The relationship between cancer-related fatigue and patient satisfaction with quality of life in cancer

Fatigue affects a majority of patients undergoing cancer-related therapies. We conducted a study of 954 adult cancer patients presenting for treatment at our hospital between April 2001 and November 2004 to quantify the relationship between fatigue and patient satisfaction with quality of life (QoL). Fatigue was measured using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire fatigue subscale. Patient satisfaction with QoL was measured using the Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life Index (QLI). The relationship between fatigue and QLI was evaluated using univariate and multivariate linear regression after controlling for the effects of clinical and demographic factors. Of the 954 patients, 579 were females and 375 males, with a median age at presentation of 56 years (range 20-90 years). Sixty-six percent had failed prior treatment. The most common cancers were breast (26%), colorectal (19%), and lung (16%) cancers. After controlling for the effects of age and prior treatment history, every 10-unit increase in fatigue was statistically significantly associated with 1.5-, 0.22-, 0.77-, 0.27-, and 0.85-unit declines in QLI health and physical, social and economic, psychological and spiritual, family, and global function scores, respectively. Consequently, a 30-point increase in fatigue score correlates with a 4.5-point decline in QLI health functioning-a clinically significant decline. In our study, we found that fatigue is strongly associated with patient satisfaction with QoL independent of the effects of age and prior treatment history.
Visualizing Plant Community Change Using Historical Records

Ecological data from land surveys from 1811 for the 100,000-acre Connecticut Tract in western New York were transcribed and then analyzed using ArcGIS and IDRISI GIS software. The surveys contained both witness tree data and line descriptions, which were analyzed for species composition and community type. Results illustrate that many changes have occurred in species composition. Possible causes of these changes to the mature forests may include introduced pests and diseases or anthropogenic land-use change. Comparisons to the National Wetlands Inventory Database reveal that while some of the wetlands that were present in 1811 still exist today, particularly in the Byron-Bergen Swamp and in the wetlands along the Lake Ontario shoreline, other original wetlands have been lost while new wetlands have replaced some upland forests. This study helps elucidate past causes of temporal and spatial variability, and it provides a reference point for land managers who need to understand the effects of land-use history for ongoing restoration efforts.
ZIP2 and ZIP4 Mediate Age-Related Zinc Fluxes Across the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Decreases in systemic and cellular levels of zinc (Zn2+) during normal aging correlate with several age-related pathologies including age-related macular degeneration. Zn2+ homeostasis in tissues is not only dependent on dietary intake but also on optimal expression and function of its influx (ZIP) and efflux (ZnT) transporters. We recently showed that many of the Zn2+ transporters are expressed by the retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In this study, we present evidence that RPE cells contain less endogenous Zn2+ with increased aging and transport this ion vectorially with greater transport from the basal to apical direction. Expression of two Zn2+ influx transporters, ZIP2 and ZIP4, is reduced as a function of RPE age. Gene silencing of ZIP2 and ZIP4 in RPE cells from young donors or their overexpression in cells from older donors confirms that these two transporters are essential in controlling Zn2+ influx and sequestration in RPE cells. Both transporters are distributed on the basal surface of the RPE where they are likely to control Zn2+ homeostasis in the outer retina.
Pulmonary Limitation to Exercise After Repair of D-Transposition of the Great Vessels: Atrial Baffle Versus Arterial Switch

This study evaluated resting pulmonary function and its impact on exercise capacity after atrial baffle (BAFFLE) and arterial switch (SWITCH) repair of D-transposition of the great vessels (DTGV). Previously decreased exercise capacity in DTGV patients has been primarily attributed to cardiovascular limitations, whereas pulmonary limitations have largely been overlooked. Resting flow volume loops were compared for BAFFLE (n = 34) and SWITCH (n = 32) patients. Peak exercise variables were compared for BAFFLE (n = 30) and SWITCH (n = 25). Lung disease (restrictive and/or obstructive) was present in 53% of DTGV patients (BAFFLE 62% and SWITCH 44%; p = 0.14). BAFFLE patients had a normal breathing reserve, whereas that of SWITCH patients was decreased (27.3 ± 28.3 vs. 13.0 ± 19.2; p = 0.04). BAFFLE patients attained a lower percent of predicted peak oxygen pulse (82.7 ± 20.5% vs. 94.7 ± 19.3%; p = 0.04) and peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) (26.6 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min vs. 37.3 ± 8.5 ml/kg/min; p < 0.01) than SWITCH patients. Patients after surgical repair for DTGV have an underappreciated occurrence of lung disease, even post-SWITCH. SWITCH patients have diminished breathing reserves, suggesting a pulmonary limitation to VO2peak. BAFFLE patients have lower VO2peaks, greater breathing reserves, and lower oxygen pulses than SWITCH patients, suggesting a cardiac limitation to peak aerobic capacity with probable secondary pulmonary limitations. Treating underlying lung disease in symptomatic patients after repair of DTGV may improve functional status.
Use of the U‐clip for microvascular anastomosis

Microvascular anastomosis is a demanding skill requiring technical excellence and a thorough knowledge of anatomy and physiology. Every suture placed in a microvascular anastomosis should be considered critical as each has the potential to compromise the delicate reconstruction. As such, any device that can facilitate microvascular suture placement deserves thorough evaluation. The U-clip (Coalescent Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) is such a device in that it eliminates the often time consuming process of tying knots. We evaluated use of the U-clip in microvascular anastomosis of a 1.5 mm artery. We found the U-clip to offer some advantages including ease of use, traditional feel of directed suture placement (as compared to couplers), and elimination of time needed for knot tying. Its shortcomings include size (in diameter, the “pop-off” section of the device appears larger than standard 8-0 suture), the significant force required to “pop-off” the device and difficulty removing the device. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2006.
Membrane potential changes in rat SmI cortical neurons evoked by controlled stimulation of mystacial vibrissae

Intracellular recordings from rat somatic sensory vibrissa/barrel cortex demonstrate that whisker displacements evoke short latency excitatory postsynaptic potentials followed by longer lasting inhibitory potentials. The time course and whisker-related spatial distribution of the potentials represent synaptic correlates of the integration of whisker inputs observed in extracellular studies.
On the global knowledge components in an information security curriculum---a multidisciplinary perspective

Because of the borderless feature of the Internet, information security threats could come from anywhere around the globe. In this research, we propose adding global knowledge components in the information security curriculum using a multi-disciplinary approach. We argue that a global perspective has been lacking in the current information security curriculum. We then propose several knowledge components to be added in the curriculum to enhance the global perspective. We also examine how to incorporate knowledge from various related disciplines, including political science, criminal justice, and business administration. Through our empirical study on faculty from various disciplines and the industry practitioners with first-hand information security knowledge, we confirm that the proposed knowledge components are relevant to the information security education and practice. Analyzing the similarities and differences among responses from various disciplines, we also found that albeit different disciplines have slightly different emphases on the curriculum components, they all tend to agree on the importance of adding the global perspectives in information security education. Our research could be of value to the educators in the information security field when considering incorporating a global perspective into the curriculum. It could also shed some lights when examining the relevance of global information security to various disciplines.
Preliminary Studies on Use of Sensitized Guinea Pigs in the Evaluation of Protective Ointments

A procedure for the development of allergic contact dermatitis in guinea pigs in which six potential allergens were used and a method for testing the effectiveness of barrier ointments, creams, and aerosols in preventing contact dermatitis in sensitized guinea pigs (to oster oil) have been described.
Early Results of Scapular Fractures Treated Operatively at a Level One Trauma Center.

Certain scapular fractures are best treated with open reduction to restore form and function to the glenohumeral joint. The purpose of this study was to review the results of operative treatment of scapular fractures at a level one trauma center. Twenty-one cases of operatively treated scapular fractures over a four-year period were identified after a database query. Nine patients had inadequate follow-up and one had a reinjury excluding a total of ten patients from our analysis. This left 11 patients (eight male and three female) with displaced scapular neck and glenoid fractures who were the subjects of this retrospective study. There were no ipsilateral clavicular fractures. The average age was 33.8 years (range, 22–49). Fixation was achieved using titanium 3.5 reconstruction plates and screws in all cases. Three plates were used in one patient and two in the other ten patients. Functional outcomes were assessed by the UCLA shoulder scoring scale at a mean follow-up of 24.0 months. At latest follow-up, nine of the patients had returned to work. Two patients had excellent results, six had good results, two had fair results, and one patient had a poor result. The poor result was associated with a suprascapular neuropathy diagnosed preoperatively. The average UCLA score was 29.1 out of 35 points. Open reduction and internal fixation is associated with anatomic reduction, a low complication rate, and satisfactory functional results at short-term follow-up.
BMP antagonists and FGF signaling contribute to different domains of the neural plate in Xenopus

In ectodermal explants from Xenopus embryos, inhibition of BMP signaling is sufficient for neural induction, leading to the idea that neural fate is the default state in the ectoderm. Many of these experiments assayed the action of BMP antagonists on animal caps, which are relatively naive explants of prospective ectoderm, and different results have led to debate regarding both the mechanism of neural induction and the appropriateness of animal caps as an assay system. Here we address whether BMP antagonists are only able to induce neural fates in pre-patterned explants, and the extent to which neural induction requires FGF signaling. We suggest that some discrepancies in conclusion depend on the interpretations of sox gene expression, which we show not only marks definitive neural tissue, but also tissue that is not yet committed to neural fates. Part of the early sox2 domain requires FGF signaling, but in the absence of organizer signaling, this domain reverts to epidermal fates. We also reinforce the evidence that ectodermal explants are naive, and that explants that lack any dorsal prepattern are readily neuralized by BMP antagonists, even when FGF signaling is inhibited.
A comparison of in vitro and in vivo methods for evaluating alterations in hepatic drug metabolism following mercuric chloride administration.

Mercuric chloride was administered once i.p. to female Fischer-344 rats at doses of 0, 0.2, 0.6 and 1.8 mg/kg. Although there were no alterations in the urinary excretion of lactate dehydrogenase, significant elevations in the activities of urinary (U) alkaline phosphatase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) indicated that mercuric chloride was nephrotoxic. There was no evidence of hepatotoxicity as hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase and serum sorbitol dehydrogenase were essentially unaffected by mercuric chloride administration. The activities of ethylmorphine demethylase, hexobarbital oxidase and aldrin epoxidase determined in vitro were not inhibited by mercuric chloride although aniline hydroxylase activity was decreased. Of the four phase-II reactions measured, only the glucuronidation of chloramphenicol was diminished by treatment with mercuric chloride. Results from the in vivo studies on the metabolism of lindane, which indicated no change in the excretion of free or conjugated metabolites, were in close agreement with the in vitro data suggesting that the nephrotoxic effects of mercuric chloride do not alter the urinary excretion of the model substrate lindane.
Microscopic structure of the olfactory organ of the clearnose skate, Raja eglanteria

The olfactory organ of juvenile clearnose skates (Raja eglanteria) was studied with the light and electron microscopes. The organ is ovoid in shape, and its free surface is complicated by the presence of some 20 lamellae. Each lamella has a folded surface lined by a typical neurosensory olfactory epithelium. Bipolar olfactory receptor neurons, ciliated sustentacular cells, and basal cells are the pre-eminent cellular components of the epithelium. Two types of receptor neurons, both bearing microvilli but not cilia, were identified. The type 1 neuron is similar to that previously described in other fishes. The type 2 neuron has a characteristic morphology justifying a separate description. Its dendritic knob is larger than that of type 1, and its microvilli, which are shorter and thicker, are straight and regularly arranged. Tight bundles of filaments provide a skeleton to each microvillus, and these filament bundles reach more than 5 μm down into the dendrite. Type 2 receptor neurons have a well-developed Golgi complex and sparse rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER), whereas type 1 receptor neurons have a less well-developed Golgi complex and a conspicuous sytem of rER lamellae. The mucous layer on the epithelial surface is provided by the secretion of goblet cells that are situated mostly in the peripheral regions of each lamella. Secretory granules in the sustentacular cells and glands in the lamina propria were not observed.
Usefulness of Echocardiographically Guided Left Ventricular Lead Placement for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Patients With Intermediate QRS Width and Non–Left Bundle Branch Block Morphology

The current guidelines most strongly support cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) for patients with heart failure with a QRS width of ≥150 ms and left bundle branch block (LBBB). Our objective was to assess the potential benefit of echocardiographically guided left ventricular (LV) lead positioning for patients with a QRS width
A spherical-stochastic methodology for microseismic event location

Abstract The potential economic value of determining the geometry of hydraulic fractures for reservoir engineering is well established. Borehole seismic systems utilizing the polarization method of analysis have been employed successfully in numerous hydraulic fracture mapping experiments. The sensor for the borehole seismic system is a four-axis tool with four or seven geophones per axis that sense the magnitudes of the rectilinear components of seismic signals. From these data, the direction of incidence and distance of the seismic source to the sensor can be determined. This paper describes the methods for analyzing this angular data and for combining the data from more than one tool into a single estimate of the location of the origin of the seismic signal. Results from applying this methodology to the determination of fracture azimuth also are presented.
Early Experience Shapes Amygdala Sensitivity to Race: An International Adoption Design

In the current study, we investigated how complete infant deprivation to out-group race impacts behavioral and neural sensitivity to race. Although monkey models have successfully achieved complete face deprivation in early life, this is typically impossible in human studies. We overcame this barrier by examining youths with exclusively homogenous racial experience in early postnatal development. These were youths raised in orphanage care in either East Asia or Eastern Europe as infants and later adopted by American families. The use of international adoption bolsters confidence of infant exposure to race (e.g., to solely Asian faces or European faces). Participants completed an emotional matching task during functional MRI. Our findings show that deprivation to other-race faces in infancy disrupts recognition of emotion and results in heightened amygdala response to out-group faces. Greater early deprivation (i.e., later age of adoption) is associated with greater biases to race. These data demonstrate how early social deprivation to race shapes amygdala function later in life and provides support that early postnatal development may represent a sensitive period for race perception.
Efficacy of Nylidrin Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly

: A double-blind study was conducted on the effects of nylidrin hydrochloride versus placebo in 60 patients with mild to moderate symptoms of chronic brain syndrome. Their ages ranged from 65 to 99 years. Preliminary results indicated that nylidrin HCI (a vasodilator) is a relatively safe therapeutic agent and more effective than placebo in ameliorating the symptoms of cognitive impairment associated with aging, on both a short term (3-month) and a long-term (9-month) basis. In a dosage of 24 mg daily, it reached its peak effectiveness after 3 months of use.
Volcanic gaps due to oblique consumption of aseismic ridges

Abstract The present-day consumption of oceanic ridges and other buoyant rises and fragments at circum-Pacific subduction zones, and presumably elsewhere, are closely related to existing gaps in volcanism. Examples are the gaps associated with the Nazca, Juan Fernandez, Cocos, Marcus-Necker and Louisville ridges. The buoyancy of these ridges breaks the continuity of the subducted plate, which may lead to reduced water supply required for melting of magma, and therefore create temporary volcanic gaps. The oblique consumption of these ridges causes the gap to migrate with time. This mechanism may be useful in interpreting time-space patterns of past volcanic chains associated with subduction in terms of the consumption of the disruptive oceanic plateaus and ridges.
Control of Linear Motors for Machine Tool Feed Drives: Experimental Investigation of Optimal Feedforward Tracking Control

This paper investigates the use of optimal l 1 and H∞ model reference optimal feedforward control to enhance the tracking performance of a linear motor drive. Experimental work is presented which studies the effects of signal preview, tracking constraint, and reference model choice on tracking performance. Suboptimal l 1 control where the closed-loop system has a zero on the unit circle due to integral action in the feedback controller is given special attention, and is seen to give near optimal performance for the system under study here. For the specific trajectory employed here, the best performing feedforward controllers were experimentally seen to reduce by more than half the maximum and rms tracking errors of the H∞ optimal feedback closed-loop systems.
Growth and anthocyanin accumulation in carrot cell suspension cultures growing on fructose, glucose, or their mixtures

Carrot suspension cultures have been grown on glucose, fructose, and mixtures of these two sugars and the effects of these sugars on growth and anthocyanin accumulation measured. Several parameters of growth decrease with increasing glucose in the medium. The anthocyanin accumulated remains relatively low and constant until the glucose exceeds 50% of the sugar, when the anthocyanin accumulation increases with increased glucose. The data suggest that glucose and fructose are metabolized differently in these carrot cultures despite the interconversion of their 6-phosphates in glycolysis. Ways in which the metabolism of these sugars might differ are discussed, as is the possibility of increasing the accumulation of anthocyanin by alterations in the way these sugars are made available to the cultures.
A Generalized Mass Involving Higher Order Symmetric Functions of the Curvature Tensor

We define a generalized mass for asymptotically flat manifolds using some higher order symmetric function of the curvature tensor. This mass is non-negative when the manifold is locally conformally flat and the σk curvature vanishes at infinity. In addition, with the above assumptions, if the mass is zero, then, near infinity, the manifold is isometric to a Euclidean end.