cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Altered development of glutamate and GABA receptors in the basal ganglia of girls with Rett syndrome.

Rett syndrome (RS), a genetic disorder found almost exclusively in females, is associated with psychomotor regression and stereotyped hand movements. To determine whether a defect in basal ganglia amino acid neurotransmission plays a role in RS, NMDA-, AMPA-, kainate (KA)-, and metabotropic (mGluR)-type glutamate receptors (GluRs) and GABA receptors were labeled autoradiographically in the caudate, putamen, and globus pallidus of postmortem brain slices from 9 RS girls and 10 age-related controls. The cases were divided into younger (8 years or younger) and older age groups to study age-related changes in receptor binding density. We found significant reductions in AMPA and NMDA receptor density in the putamen and in KA receptor density in the caudate of older RS cases compared to controls. In contrast, mGluR density in the basal ganglia of RS patients was not altered significantly. The density of GluRs in control subjects generally showed more limited changes with age than in RS cases. In contrast to ionotropic GluRs, GABA receptor density was significantly increased in the caudate of young RS patients. The effects on GluR density in the putamen, which serves a primary motor function, were consistent with the motor deficits observed in RS, while those on amino acid transmitter receptors in the caudate may account for some cognitive features. Our studies demonstrate regional, receptor-subtype, and age-specific alterations in amino acid neurotransmitter receptors in the basal ganglia of RS girls. These changes may correlate with age-related clinical stages observed in RS.
Re-clustering the database for crystallization of macromolecules

The current version of the biological macromolecule crystallization database (BMCD version 3.0) was statistically analyzed using clustering techniques. This is an effort to look for trends that may be useful in the crystallization of new macromolecules. Our previous statistical analysis of the BMCD was performed on version 1.0 [C.T. Samudzi, M.J. Fivash, J.M. Rosenberg, J. Crystal Growth 123 (1992) 47]. That database contained information on a total of 1025 crystallization experiments for 820 biological macromolecules (about 35% of those entries were incomplete and, thus, inappropriate for analysis). Version 3.0 of the BMCD is more than 90% complete and contains information on a total of about 2300 crystallization experiments for approximately 1500 biological macromolecules [G.L. Gilliland, M. Tung, D.M. Bakerslee, J.E. Ladner, Acta Cryst. D 50 (1994) 408]. With significantly more data in the BMCD, the question is whether trends have changed. The SAS software [SAS Institute Inc., SAS/STAT, Version 6, 4th ed., vol. 1] was used throughout the analysis. The following crystallization parameters were used in defining an experiment: pH, temperature, molecular weight, macromolecular concentration, precipitant type and crystallization method. Using these parameters, a measure of the differences between experiments was developed. Groups or clusters of similar experiments were identified as those close together based upon this difference measure. The database was successfully resolved into 25 clusters. The pseudo-F statistic for 25 clusters was 306.30 and is statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Although eight of these clusters can be treated as outliers, the other 17 clusters provide useful information in recognizing new patterns and developing strategies for crystallization of macromolecules.
Ethics in TESOL Research

Alexander, S., & Baker, K. (1991, August). Some ethical issues in applied social psychology: The case of bilingual education and self-esteem. Paper delivered at the 86th Annual Meeting of the American Sociological Association, Cincinnati, OH. Burkheimer, G. J., Jr., Conger, A., Dunteman, G., Elliott, B., & Mowbray, K. (1990). Effectiveness of services for language minority limited English proficient students. Raleigh-Durham, NC: Research Triangle Institute. Gersten, R., & Woodward, J. (1985, September). A case for structured immersion. Educational Leadership, pp. 75-84. Meyer, M., & Fienberg, S. (Eds.). (1992). Assessing evaluation studies: The case of bilingual education strategies. Washington, DC: National Academy Press. Ramirez, J. D., Pasta, J. J., Yuen, S. D., Billings, D. K., & Ramey, D. (1991). Longitudinal study of structured English immersion strategy, early-exit, and late-exit bilingual education programs for language minority children (Vols. 1-2, U.S. Department of Education Report, Contract No. 300-87-0156). San Mateo, CA: Aguirre International.
Teaching Biodiversity & Evolutionary Biology in a North American Marine Coastal Environment

ABSTRACT The oceans are among the most biodiverse of Earth's environments. Introducing students to this diversity in the field provides an opportunity to examine the evolution of animals. We detail how readily a field-based biodiversity and evolution class can he designed and taught in a phyletically diverse marine setting in North America.
PREDICTIVE MEDICINE. XI. PROGNOSTIC LEVELS

With a lamelleted sphere as a model, an analysis of the periphery of the human subject (symptoms and signs) is useful in providing a measure of the extent of disease. However, in itself, it has little utility in a predictive medicine program. In present multiple-testing methods, correlation of the biochemical state with the symptoms and signs is the basis for making a diagnosis of classical disease. However, the predictive potential is limited. A predictive medicine program, to fulfill its true purpose, must view the total sphere in all its layers.
Characterization of ceramides by low energy collisional-activated dissociation tandem mass spectrometry with negative-ion electrospray ionization.

Negative-ion electrospray ionization tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry provides a useful method for the structural characterization of ceramides. Fragment ions referring to the identities of the fatty acid substituent and of the long chain base of the molecules are readily available and the structure of ceramides can be easily determined. A unique fragmentation pathway which leads to formation of the fatty acid carboxylate anions (RCO2−) was observed. This fragmentation is initiated by cleavage of the C2-C3 bond of the LCB to yield a N-acylaminoethanol anion ([RCONHCH2CH2O]−), followed by rearrangement to a carboxyethylamine ([RCO2CH2CH2NH]−) intermediate, which further dissociates to a RCO2+ ion. This pathway is confirmed by the CAD tandem mass spectrum of the synthetic N-acylaminoethanol standard and of the deuterated analogs of ceramides obtained by H-D exchange. The observation of RCO2− ion species permits an unambiguous identification of the fatty acyl moiety of ceramides. Tandem mass spectrometry methods for characterization of structural isomers of ceramides using product-ion scanning and for identification of specific ceramide subclasses in biological mixtures using neutral loss scanning are also demonstrated.
Serum vitamin D metabolites in very low birth weight infants with and without rickets and fractures.

Seventy-one very low birth weight (≤1500 gm) infants were studied to determine the sequential changes in serum vitamin D metabolite concentrations between infants with and without radiographically documented rickets, fractures, or both (R/F). Usual intake of vitamin D included 20 IU/kg/day from parenteral nutrition or 400 IU/day supplementation with enteral feeding. Radiographs of both forearms and serum samples were obtained at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Twenty-two infants had R/F. At 3 months, significantly lower mean (±SEM) serum phosphorus levels (4.5±0.4 vs 6.1±0.2 mg/dl), higher 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-[OH] 2 D) concentrations (96±5 vs 77±4 pg/ml), and higher free 1,25-(OH) 2 D index (1,25-[OH] 2 D:vitamin D binding protein ratio; 5.2±0.3×10 5 vs 4.0±0.2×10 5 ) were found in the R/F group. These values returned to normal and were similar between groups on subsequent measurements. Serum calcium, magnesium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations were normal and similar between groups. In both groups, serum vitamin D binding concentrations increased initially but remained stable and normal beyond 6 months. We conclude that in very low birth weight infants with R/F, the vitamin D status (as indicated by serum 25-OHD concentrations) is normal, and that lowered serum phosphorus levels, higher serum 1,25-(OH) 2 D levels, and a higher free 1,25-(OH) 2 D index support the thesis that mineral deficiency (especially of phosphorus) may be important in the pathogenesis of R/F in small preterm infants.
The process vμ+p → vμ+p+π° in Weinberg's model of weak interactions

Abstract The ratio R = σ(vμ+p → vμ+p+π°)/σ(vμ+n → μ+p+π°) in Weinberg's model of weak interactions is estimated on the basis of a static model for the neutrino production of the 3,3 resonance. For the Weinberg mixing angle α given by sin2α ⩽ 0.35 as deduced from the upper bound on σ( v e + e → v e + e ) , it is concluded that R ≳ 0.4, which is not consistent with the experimental bound R ≲ 0.14 reported in the following paper.
Springtime macronutrient intake of Alaska natives of the Bering Straits Region: the Alaska Siberia Project.

Objectives. The diet of Alaska Natives is a complicated mix of native and imported foods. Dietary intake, which may have changed considerably in the past several decades, has important implications for risk of chronic disease. The objective of this study was to add to the knowledge of dietary intake of Alaska Natives of the Bering Straits Region by describing the macronutrient intake of adults. Study design. Observational study of dietary intake. Methods. A 24-hour dietary recall was administered among all consenting, non-pregnant residents of four villages, aged 25 years, or more. RESULTS: Data are presented for 209 men and 225 women, who represent 48% of eligible participants. Dietary intake was higher in proportion of energy from protein and lower in proportion of carbohydrate than non-Hispanic white Americans overall. Higher energy and protein intakes were reported for men. Comparisons were also made among Alaskan ethnic groups and previous Alaskan surveys. Conclusion. This study of diet among Alaska Natives demonstrates consistency with other recent work. Differences in diet from earlier 20th century observations, such as higher carbohydrate and lower protein intake, are consistent with documented acculturation in Alaska and other circumpolar regions. (Int J Circumpolar Health 2005; 64(3):222-233) Keywords: Alaska Natives, dietary intake, macronutrient
Effects of feeding Yucca schidigera extract in diets varying in crude protein and urea contents on growth performance and cecum and blood urea and ammonia concentrations of rabbits

Abstract Yucca extract (YE) has ammonia-binding properties. It was hypothesized that by binding ammonia in the cecum, YE could influence cecal utilization of crude protein (CP) and dietary urea. Two experiments were undertaken using New Zealand White weanling rabbits (5–6 weeks of age). In both experiments, YE was mixed at 250 mg kg−1 of diet, and six individually fed rabbits were used per treatment. In Experiment 1, the four diets were: (1) high-protein (HP); (2) HP + YE (HPYE); (3) medium-protein (MP); (4) MP + YE (MPYE). The two protein levels were 23% and 19%. Average daily gain (ADG) was higher (P In Experiment 2, diets were: (1) low protein (LP); (2) LP + YE (LPYE); (3) LP + urea; (4) LPU + YE (LPUYE). The two CP treatments were 16.5% CP and 16.5% CP + 2% urea. The ADG was highest (P
Voluntary activation of the infraspinatus muscle in nonfatigued and fatigued states.

Hypothesis Failure of voluntary activation is an important source of weakness in several different muscles after injury or surgery. Despite the high prevalence of shoulder rotator cuff disorders and associated weakness, no test currently exists to identify voluntary activation deficits for the rotator cuff. The purpose of this study was to develop a test to quantify voluntary activation of the infraspinatus. We hypothesized that there would be a consistent relationship between the voluntary activation level and different force levels and that reduced voluntary activation would partially account for reduced force with fatigue. Materials and methods Twenty healthy volunteers underwent assessment of voluntary activation using an electrical stimulus applied to the infraspinatus muscle during active isometric external rotation. Voluntary activation was assessed across several levels of external rotation effort and during fatigue. Results The voluntary activation-percent force relationship was best fit using a curvilinear model, and the fatigue test reduced both force and voluntary activation by 46%. Discussion In the nonfatigued state, the voluntary activation-percent force relationship is similar to that reported for the quadriceps. After fatigue, however, greater failure of voluntary activation was observed compared with reported values for other upper and lower extremity muscles, which may have implications for the understanding and treatment of rotator cuff pathology. Conclusion A measure of voluntary activation for the infraspinatus varied with the percent maximum force in a predictable manner that is consistent with the literature. The infraspinatus may be more susceptible to failure of voluntary activation during fatigue than other muscles.
3-Hydroxybenzidine, a metabolite of benzidine

Abstract Previously, it was reported and generally held that 3,3′-dihydroxybenzidine is the principal metabolite of benzidine. The present investigation has disclosed that following intraperitoneal injection of benzidine, the urine of dogs contains 3-hydroxybenzidine in a conjugated form and unchanged benzidine. The metabolite was isolated and identified by comparison with an authentic synthetic preparation of 3-hydroxybenzidine. A convenient synthesis of 3-hydroxybenzidine was also developed.
Inward Pumping in Mechanical Face Seals

Hydrodynamic characteristics producing inward pumping in mechanical face seals, solving Reynolds equation for hydrodynamic lubrication with short-bearing approximation and numerical iterative methods
Time-asymmetric quantum physics

A quantum theory that applies to the (closed) universe needs to be time asymmetric because of the cosmological arrow of time. The preparation $\ensuremath{\Rightarrow}$ registration arrow of time (a state must be prepared before an observable can be detected in it) of the quantum mechanics of measured systems provides a phenomenological reason for an asymmetric semigroup time evolution. The standard theory in the Hilbert space (HS) is inadequate for either since the mathematics of the HS allows only reversible unitary group evolution and time symmetric boundary conditions. The mathematical theory that describes time-asymmetric quantum physics in addition to providing the mathematics for the Dirac kets is the rigged Hilbert space (RHS) theory. It uses a pair of RHS's of Hardy class with complementary analyticity property, one for the prepared states (``in states'') and the other for the registered observables (``out states''). The RHS's contain Gamow kets which have all the properties needed to represent decaying states and resonances. Gamow kets have only asymmetric time evolution. The neutral kaon system is used to show that quasistationary microphysical systems can be experimentally isolated if their time of preparation can be accurately identified. The theoretical predictions for a Gamow ket have the same features as the observed decay probabilities, including the time ordering. This time ordering is the same as the time ordering in the probabilities of histories for the quantum universe. The fundamental quantum mechanical arrow of time represented by the semigroup in the RHS is therefore the same as the cosmological arrow of time, assuming that the universe can be considered a closed quantum system.
A constitutional choice model of compensation for takings

Governments in the United States and in many other countries are compelled by constitutional strictures or social understandings to compensate their citizens when private property is taken for public use (Garner 1975). Economists and legal scholars influenced by economics have argued that compensation requirements promote economic efficiency (Epstein 1985, pp. 3-6, 199). Failure to require compensation would induce government to undervalue the cost of private resources and excessively expand the size of the public sector (deAlessi 1969). The insecurity of possession against expropriation would, in turn, induce such anxiety among landowners that they would plan too little investment on their land (Michelman 1967, p. 1214). In challenging the conventional wisdom, Lawrence Blume, Daniel Rubinfeld, and Perry Shapiro (1984; henceforth BRS) showed that it was inefjcient to pay compensation when the government destroyed private capital to provide a public good. In their model, compensation for takings is analogous to unconditional payments for hurricane damage, which induce seaside property owners to inefficiently discount predictable weather losses. Any guarantee of compensation induces the moral hazard of ignoring the probability that the government may take one’s land and destroy the capital on it in the process of supplying a valuable public good. The counterintuitive result is that compensation for takings may induce private landowners to place too much private capital on their land. In part because they regarded the BRS theory as having undermined the traditional economic rationale for paying compensation, Blume and Rubinfeld (1984) in a separate paper advanced a theory based on the idea that “just compensation” serves as a form of insurance for risk-averse property owners. On this view, Blume and Rubinfeld argued that compensation should be based on an inquiry of
Dispersion-managed solitons as nonlinear Bloch waves

It is shown that the dispersion-managed nonlinear pulse solutions can be viewed as nonlinear Bloch waves with a periodic scattering potential that is set up self-consistently by the wave itself. The pulses are shown to be chirp-free at the center of each dispersion segment. The essential physical mechanism is explained by the interaction of the m=0 and the m=2 Hermite–Gaussian components of the pulse.
Solid‐state NMR studies of the prion protein H1 fragment

Conformational changes in the prion protein (PrP) seem to be responsible for prion diseases. We have used conformation-dependent chemical-shift measurements and rotational-resonance distance measurements to analyze the conformation of solid-state peptides lacking long-range order, corresponding to a region of PrP designated H1. This region is predicted to undergo a transformation of secondary structure in generating the infectious form of the protein. Solid-state NMR spectra of specifically 13C-enriched samples of H1, residues 109-122 (MKHMAGAAAAGAVV) of Syrian hamster PrP, have been acquired under cross-polarization and magic-angle spinning conditions. Samples lyophilized from 50% acetonitrile/50% water show chemical shifts characteristic of a beta-sheet conformation in the region corresponding to residues 112-121, whereas samples lyophilized from hexafluoroisopropanol display shifts indicative of alpha-helical secondary structure in the region corresponding to residues 113-117. Complete conversion to the helical conformation was not observed and conversion from alpha-helix back to beta-sheet, as inferred from the solid-state NMR spectra, occurred when samples were exposed to water. Rotational-resonance experiments were performed on seven doubly 13C-labeled H1 samples dried from water. Measured distances suggest that the peptide is in an extended, possibly beta-strand, conformation. These results are consistent with the experimental observation that PrP can exist in different conformational states and with structural predictions based on biological data and theoretical modeling that suggest that H1 may play a key role in the conformational transition involved in the development of prion diseases.
Selective Radionuclide (Cs+, Sr2+, and Ni2+) Ion-Exchange by K2xMgxSn3-xS6 (x=0.5-0.95) (KMS-2)

137Cs and 90Sr, both byproducts of the fission process, make up the majority of high-level waste from nuclear power plants. 63Ni is a byproduct of the erosion-corrosion process of the reactor components in nuclear energy plants. The concentrations of these ions in solution determine the Waste Class (A,B, or C) and thus selective removal of these ions over large excesses of other ions is necessary to reduce waste and cut costs. Herein we report the use of the Inorganic Ion Specific Media (ISM) K2xMgxSn3-xS6 (x=0.5-0.9) (KMS-2) for the ion exchange of Cs+, Sr2+, and Ni2+ in several different conditions. We will also report the stability of this new material in the general conditions found at nuclear power plants (pH ˜6-8) and DOE sites (pH>10). Measurements at low concentrations were conducted with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Kd values are reported for each of the ions in a variety of conditions.
Clostridium hydrogeniformans sp. nov. and Clostridium cavendishii sp. nov., hydrogen-producing bacteria from chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater.

Four hydrogen-producing, aerotolerant, anaerobic bacterial strains isolated from chlorinated solvent-contaminated groundwater were characterized using a polyphasic approach. Three of the strains, designated BL-18, BL-19 and BL-20T, were found to be identical in 16S rRNA gene sequences and in phenotypic properties. Cells of these strains are Gram-positive-staining, spore-forming, motile rods with peritrichous flagella. Growth occurred at 15–40 °C, pH 5.0–10.0 and at NaCl concentrations up to 5 % (w/v). Acid was produced in fermentation of cellobiose, fructose, galactose (weak), glucose, maltose and salicin. Products of fermentation in PYG medium were acetate, butyrate, ethanol, formate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Dominant cellular fatty acids when grown in PYG medium were C13 : 0 iso, C16 : 0, C13 : 0 anteiso, C15 : 0 iso and C15 : 0 anteiso. The genomic DNA G+C content was 30.4 mol%. These isolates can be differentiated from their closest phylogenetic relative, the cluster I Clostridium species Clostridium frigidicarnis (97.2 % similar to the type strain in 16S rRNA gene sequence), on the basis of phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties. The other strain characterized in this study, BL-28T, was Gram-positive-staining with spore-forming, rod-shaped cells. Growth occurred at 15–46 °C, pH 6.0–8.5 and at NaCl concentrations up to 3 % (w/v). Acid was produced from cellobiose, dextran, fructose (weak), glucose, maltose, salicin and trehalose. End products of PYG fermentation included acetate, butyrate, pyruvate, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Dominant cellular fatty acids from cells grown in PYG medium at 30 °C were C14 : 0, C14 : 0 dimethyl aldehyde, C16 : 0 and C12 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 28.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain BL-28T falls within cluster I of the genus Clostridium, but with ≤95.2 % identity with previously described species. On the basis of results presented here, strains BL-20T (=NRRL B-51348T =DSM 21757T) and BL-28T (=NRRL B-51352T =DSM 21758T) are proposed as the type strains of novel species of the genus Clostridium with the names Clostridium hydrogeniformans sp. nov. and Clostridium cavendishii sp. nov., respectively.
Effect of long-term treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin and estradiol on hormone concentrations and ovulatory response of superovulated cattle.

Abstract The objective was to assess effects of long-term treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) and estradiol-17β (E2) on the number of follicles that ovulated in response to FSH. Non-lactating Holstein and Jersey cows (Trial 1, n=27) and Angus cows and heifers (Trial 2, n=35) received two ear implants of E2 and biweekly injections of bST in a 2 × 2 arrangement of treatments. Estradiol implants were removed 74.6 ± 1.1 d after insertion and 18.1 ± 0.9 d after the last biweekly injection of bST. Cows were stimulated with FSH-P beginning 2 d after removal of E2 implants, and PGF2alpha (PGF) was given on the third day of FSH treatment Ovaries were collected to determine the number of CL at 1 to 2 wk after treatment with PGF. In Trial 2 only, cattle were inseminated at estrus and embryos were collected 6 to 8 d later. Implants of E2 increased (P
Novel cell segmentation and online SVM for cell cycle phase identification in automated microscopy

Motivation: Automated identification of cell cycle phases captured via fluorescent microscopy is very important for understanding cell cycle and for drug discovery. In this article, we propose a novel cell detection method that utilizes both the intensity and shape information of the cell for better segmentation quality. In contrast to conventional off-line learning algorithms, an Online Support Vector Classifier (OSVC) is thus proposed, which removes support vectors from the old model and assigns new training examples weighted according to their importance to accommodate the ever-changing experimental conditions. Results: We image three cell lines using fluorescent microscopy under different experiment conditions, including one treated with taxol. Then, we segment and classify the cell types into interphase, prophase, metaphase and anaphase. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed system in image segmentation and cell phase identification. Availability: The software and test datasets are available from the authors. Contact: zhou@crystal.harvard.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Dementia and Dignity: Towards a New Method of Surrogate Decision Making

Autonomous decisions are decisions that reflect the self who makes them. Since patients in need of surrogate decision making can no longer enjoy the dignity of being free to express who they are through choice and action, surrogates should strive to, at least, make sure that decisions on behalf of the patient reflects that patient's self. Concepts of the self, then, underlie views about the role autonomy should play in surrogate decision making. Alzheimer's disease (AD) complicates the situation because it is a disease which effects the self and theorists disagree about which aspect of the AD self the decision should reflect. This disagreement has led to a seemingly irresolvable split between those who favor the then self and those who favor the now self. The debate has stalled because while both of these views are attractive, neither seems adequate. That is, neither view is complete because each focuses only on one aspect of a whole self. In this paper, I argue that a good mode of surrogate decision making is one that focuses on the whole self and I offer practical advice concerning how we can begin to think about how such a decision might be made.
Grounding and ground fault protection of multiple generator installations on medium-voltage industrial and commercial power systems. III. Protection methods

For pt.I see ibid., p.56-62, 2003. The paper discusses typical grounding practices and ground fault protection methods for medium voltage generator stators, highlighting their merits and drawbacks. Particular attention is given to applications of multiple generators connected to a single bus. The paper also provides an overview of the generator damage mechanism during stator ground faults. Problem areas associated with each method of grounding are identified and solutions are discussed. The paper also provides a list of references on the topic. The paper is intended as a guide to aid engineers in selecting adequate grounding and ground fault protection schemes for medium voltage industrial and commercial generators for new installations, for evaluating existing systems, and for future expansion of facilities, to minimize generator damage from stator ground faults. These topics are presented in four separate parts. Part II discusses various grounding methods used in industrial applications.
Diazoxide Attenuates Glucose-Induced Defects in First-Phase Insulin Release and Pulsatile Insulin Secretion in Human Islets

Humans with type-2 diabetes mellitus (TTDM) have hyperglycemia ( approximately 11 mM) and impaired glucose-mediated insulin secretion characterized by impaired first-phase insulin release (FPIR) and pulsatile insulin release. Culture of islets from nondiabetic humans in very high glucose concentrations ( approximately 20-30 mM) for 96 h causes impaired FPIR. We sought to determine 1). whether human islets cultured at a glucose concentration of approximately 11 mM (comparable to TTDM) recapitulates impaired insulin secretion in TTDM, specifically impaired FPIR and insulin pulse mass with an increased proinsulin/insulin (PI/I) secretion ratio; and 2). whether these changes can be attenuated by addition of diazoxide to islets cultured with 11 mM glucose. Islets cultured with 11 mM glucose for 96 h had 75% depleted insulin stores (P < 0.05), decreased FPIR and insulin pulse mass (P < 0.05), and an approximately 3-fold increase in the ratio of PI/I islet content and in secretion ratio (P < 0.05). Addition of diazoxide to islets cultured with 11 mM glucose decreased insulin secretion during static incubation, leading to relative preservation of insulin stores and enhanced insulin secretion during subsequent perifusion; FPIR increased by 162% (P < 0.05) and insulin pulse mass by 150% (P < 0.05) vs. no diazoxide. The mean islet PI/I content and islet PI/I secretion ratio were also decreased by approximately 70% (P < 0.05) by prior addition of diazoxide to islets during culture with 11 mM glucose. FPIR and insulin pulse mass were related to islet insulin stores (P < 0.001 for FPIR and P < 0.001 for pulse amplitude). In conclusion, the pattern of defects of insulin secretion present in TTDM (impaired FPIR and pulsatile insulin secretion, increased PI/I ratio) can be recapitulated in human islets cultured with 11 mM glucose for 96 h. These defects can be at least partially offset by concurrent inhibition of insulin secretion by diazoxide, which also preserves insulin stores. Defective insulin secretion in TTDM may be, at least in part, due to depletion of available insulin stores secondary to chronic increased demand (insulin resistance and hyperglycemia) in the setting of a decreased beta-cell mass.
Primary Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Time-Dependent Influence of Prognostic Variables

PURPOSE: To define prognostic factors for postrelapse survival and their time-dependent influence for adult soft tissue sarcoma (STS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed 2,123 patients with completely resected localized primary STS treated from 1982 to 1999. Variables studied included tumor site, size, depth, grade, and resection margin but not treatment other than resection. Landmark time frames were used to assess the influence of disease-free interval (DFI) on disease-specific survival (DSS). DSS was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using log-rank test and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Time-dependent stepwise regression analysis evaluated the time-dependent influence of each variable. RESULTS: Two thirds of recurrences developed within 2 years of initial resection. Tumor size (P < .001), grade (P < .001), and microscopic resection margin (P < .001) independently predicted DSS for all STS. Size and grade independently predicted e...
Oral ciprofloxacin therapy of infection caused by multiply resistant bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Of 125 patients treated with ciprofloxacin at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, 34 had infections due to bacteria other than Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The mean age of the patients was 50 years (19-88 years) and most had significant underlying disease. There were nine lower respiratory infections, eight urinary tract infections, eight soft tissue infections, three osteomyelitis, and three intra-abdominal infections. The pathogens were: Escherichia coli, 7 (mean MIC 0.07 mg/l); Serratia marcescens, 6 (0.2 mg/l); Enterobacter spp., 5 (0.1 mg/l); Klebsiella pneumoniae, 3 (0.1 mg/l); Proteus mirabilis, 3 (0.06 mg/l); Cutrobacter freundii, 2 (0.06 mg/l), Staphylococcus aureus, 3 (0.5 mg/l); and one each of Acinetobacter anitratus. Haemophilus, influenzae, Salmonella enteritidis, Flavobacterium meningosepticum, and Streptococcus faecalis. Of these organisms 81% were resistant to ampicillin, 70% to carbenicillin, 22% to gentamicin, 49% to cefazolin and cephalexin, and 25% to cotrimoxazole. Ten patients had concomitant Ps. aeruginosa infections. Patients were treated orally with 500 mg or 750 mg ciprofloxacin every 12 h. The overall clinical response rate was 88%, and the bacteriological response 76%, and 65% if Ps. aeruginosa is included. Resistance to ciprofloxacin developed in one Staph. aureus and one Ser. marcescens (MIC greater than 2 mg/l). Toxicity was minor. Ciprofloxacin was effective and safe therapy of infections due to Gram-negative bacteria resistant to many of the currently available oral and parenteral agents.
The potential for cell-based therapy in perinatal brain injuries.

Perinatal brain injuries are a leading cause of cerebral palsy worldwide. The potential of stem cell therapy to prevent or reduce these impairments has been widely discussed within the medical and scientific communities and an increasing amount of research is being conducted in this field. Animal studies support the idea that a number of stem cells types, including cord blood and mesenchymal stem cells have a neuroprotective effect in neonatal hypoxia–ischemia. Both these cell types are readily available in a clinical setting. The mechanisms of action appear to be diverse, including immunomodulation, activation of endogenous stem cells, release of growth factors, and anti-apoptotic effects. Here, we review the different types of stem cells and progenitor cells that are potential candidates for therapeutic strategies in perinatal brain injuries and summarize recent preclinical and clinical studies.
Disruptions of occludin and claudin-5 in brain endothelial cells in vitro and in brains of mice with acute liver failure.

Brain edema in acute liver failure (ALF) remains lethal. The role of vasogenic mechanisms of brain edema has not been explored. We previously demonstrated that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) contributes to the pathogenesis of brain edema. Here, we show that MMP-9 mediates disruptions in tight junction (TJ) proteins in vitro and in brains of mice with ALF. We transfected murine brain endothelial cells (ECs) with MMP-9 complementary DNA (cDNA) using pc DNA3.1 (+)/Myc-His A expression vector. Tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) cDNA transfection or GM6001 was used to inhibit MMP-9. ALF was induced in mice with azoxymethane. Endogenous overexpression of MMP-9 in brain ECs resulted in significant degradation of the TJ proteins occludin and claudin-5. The alterations in TJ proteins correlated with increased permeability to fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran molecules. The degradation of TJ proteins and the increased permeability were reversed by TIMP-1 and GM6001. Similar results were found when MMP-9 was exogenously added to brain ECs. We also found that TJ protein degradation was reversed with GM6001 in the brains of mice with ALF. Conclusion: TJ proteins are significantly perturbed in brains of mice with ALF. These data corroborate the important role of MMP-9 in the vasogenic mechanism of brain edema in ALF. (HEPATOLOGY 2009.)
Fighting Global Poverty, Three Ways

This article provides a critical assessment of three ambitious books (Sachs's The End of Poverty, Bhagwati's In Defense of Globalization, and Easterly's The Elusive Quest for Growth ), each of which seeks to (re)frame debates over poverty, development, growth, globalization, and more. The insights and shortcomings of these three books remind us that the status quo is not working and that a rich understanding of globalization and development requires a serious consideration of alternative visions of each.
Association between dog guardianship and HIV clinical outcomes.

Despite numerous potential health outcomes of dog guardianship, their value has not been examined in the HIV-positive population. The study objective was to examine the relationship between dog guardianship and HIV clinical outcomes (antiretroviral adherence [>95% versus or =48 versus 95% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.80, P = .048); however, having a detectable viral load was not related to dog guardianship (OR = 0.94, P = .85). Further clinical research with detailed dog guardianship data is needed to further examine the association between dog guardianship and HIV clinical outcomes.
Unconscious Color Priming Occurs at Stimulus- Not Percept-Dependent Levels of Processing

Although past studies have shown that visual information can be processed without awareness, the types and levels of this processing have yet to be determined. We used metacontrast masking to explore unconscious priming effects of white, blue, and green stimuli generated on a color video display. We found that a white prime tends to act more like a green than a blue one. Color confusions among unmasked and masked primes and calibrations of the display phosphors show that physical rather than perceptual properties of the stimuli best explain the white prime's effects. We conclude that unconscious color priming in normal observers occurs at early wavelength-dependent levels of processing prior to later color-percept-dependent levels.
Undergraduate Psychology Courses Preferred by Graduate Programs

Information about the undergraduate psychology courses preferred by graduate programs is useful for a number of purposes, including (a) advising psychology majors who are interested in graduate sch...
Sexually dimorphic grooming in bison : the influence of body size, activity budget and androgens

The programmed grooming model proposes that animals groom in response to an internal timing mechanism that has evolved to control ectoparasites. This model predicts that polygynous males will groom less frequently than smaller females (sexually dimorphic grooming) because (1) parasitism is more costly for smaller individuals (body size principle), and (2) during the breeding season, sexual selection has favoured males that reduce grooming to enhance vigilance for mates and rivals (vigilance principle). The proximate mechanism for vigilance-mediated suppression of grooming may be either time budget conflicts (males are too busy breeding to groom) or physiological suppression (the action of elevated testosterone). In this study, we examined the influence of body size, breeding activity and androgens on sexually dimorphic grooming in American bison, Bison bison. Bison were observed before (pre-rut) and during the breeding season (rut) at National Bison Range (NBR) and Fort Niobrara (FTN) national wildlife refuges; androgens were measured in FTN males. Females oral-groomed two to five times more than males during pre-rut, and 5–40 times more than tending males (guarding oestrous females) during the rut; tending males oral-groomed less than pre-rut males at both sites. Rutting activity of tending males was much greater than that of nontending or nonrutting males, but all males groomed at the same low rate. Androgen levels increased between pre-rut and rut for all males, but androgen levels of tending males were higher than those of nontending males. In a subsample of males for whom both androgen and grooming data were available, androgen levels were negatively correlated with oral-grooming rate, as predicted by the physiological suppression model. We conclude that effects of body size and sexually selected vigilance work independently and additively to produce sexually dimorphic grooming in bison. The vigilance-associated suppression of grooming rate in breeding males appears to be due to the action of elevated testosterone rather than conflicting time budgets.
Lumbar multifidus muscle thickness does not predict patients with low back pain who improve with trunk stabilization exercises.

Objective To understand lumbar multifidus (LM) muscle activation as a clinical feature to predict patients with low back pain (LBP) who are likely to benefit from stabilization (STB) exercises.
Taxonomic Revision of the GenusParanotaMonrós and Viana, 1949 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Dorynotini)

Abstract The Neotropical genus Paranota Monros and Viana, 1949 is revised and its species redescribed. Paranota apiculata (Boheman 1854), new combination, is transferred from the genus Dorynota Chevrolat, 1836, Paranota rugosa (Wagener, 1881), revised status and new combination, is resurrected from synonymy with Paranota ensifera (Boheman, 1854), and Paranota parallela (Blanchard, 1837) is found to not be a member Paranota and transferred to the genus Dorynota. Following this revision, Paranota now contains five species. In addition, the morphology of the male and female genitalia of selected species is reviewed in detail. An identification key to species, updated distribution records, and maps are provided.
Multiphoton transitions IV. Bound-free transition integrals in compact forms

For pt. III see abstr. A11153 of 1973. The basic integrals appearing in the N-photon T-matrix for ionization of neutral atoms and electron detachment of negative ions are obtained in compact forms both for circular polarization as well as for linear polarization of incident radiation. The present results circumvent the often lengthy procedure of summing the partial amplitudes and provide a basis for investigating physically interesting limits of multiphoton transitions, analytically.
Bioactive Void Metal Composites for Orthopedic Implant Devices

Although significant advances have been made to provide mechanically strong and non-toxic metals and alloys, biological integration of devices into natural tissues remains a problem. The Surface Induced Mineralization (SIM) and Void Metal Composite (VMC) processes produce a bioactive porous metal implant coating/device which may address many of the problems associated with conventional processing methods. The VMC process produces materials which have cylindrical pores of uniform diameter which can completely penetrate the structure of the material. The pore diameter, orientation and interconnectivity are easily controlled The SIM process uses the idea of nature's template-mediated mineralization by chemically modifying the implant to produce a surface which induces heterogeneous nucleation from aqueous solution. SIM produced bioactive coatings provide 1) control of the thickness and density of the mineral phase, 2) a way to coat porous metals, complex shapes and large objects, 3) the ability to coat a wide variety of materials, 4) potential choice for the phase of the mineral formed.
The Need for Diversity Education as Perceived by Preservice Teachers

This study investigated whether undergraduate teacher education students were prepared to teach their students in both an academically stimulating and culturally sensitive way. During the fall of 2003, student teachers were asked to complete two open-ended questions about diversity. The students were working on certificates in either the preschool through grades 4 generalist or bilingual programs. A total of 56 students completed the questionnaire. We identified 16 categories of ideas, experiences and/or activities that the preservice teachers said they would use to create diverse opportunities in their classrooms. Multicultural books were mentioned most followed by visual aids. Most of the responses were brief and not fully developed. While Banks' levels of multicultural awareness were not evident or mentioned, students had some of their own ideas on how to integrate diversity in the classroom that at least met Banks' contributions levels and, in some cases, the additive levels (Banks, 2003).
Phonatory impairment in Parkinson's disease: evidence from nonlinear dynamic analysis and perturbation analysis.

Summary Many persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) will eventually experience vocal impairment as their condition advances. Using standard perturbation analyses (parameters like jitter and shimmer) to measure fluctuations in phonatory signal may inhibit researchers from recognizing severely disordered patterns that seem to be present in the voices of some PD patients. Nonlinear dynamic analysis can quantify these aperiodic patterns, which indicate severe pathology that is usually characterized perceptually by hoarseness. Here, sustained vowel phonations of a heterogeneous group of PD subjects (20 women and 21 men) were compared with those of a control group (22 women and 18 men) based on results of nonlinear dynamic analyses (D 2 ) and perturbation analyses. Results showed PD subjects as a whole to have significantly higher D 2 values than control subjects ( P = 0.016), which indicates increased signal complexity in PD vocal pathology. Differences in the comparison of these two groups were significant in jitter ( P = 0.014) but nonsignificant in shimmer ( P = 0.695). Furthermore, the performance on these three measures was affected by subject sex. Nonlinear dynamic analysis showed significantly higher D 2 in the female PD group than in the female control group ( P = 0.001), but jitter and shimmer did not show such a difference. The male PD group had statistically higher jitter than the male control group ( P = 0.036), but these groups did not differ in D 2 or shimmer. Overall, nonlinear dynamic analysis may be a valuable method for the diagnosis of Parkinsonian laryngeal pathology.
Design approaches and results for high speed single mode long wavelength VCSELs

Summary form only given. Optical communication links between 100 meters and 10 kilometers will require new cost effective transceiver solutions. We have demonstrated single mode and high-speed modulation in long wavelength VCSELs with low threshold current. Research is ongoing to improve high temperature characteristics and high-speed performance optimization. Coupled with component and packaging development, we plan to release Honeywell's first commercially available long wavelength VCSELs by 2003.
A timer to coordinate substrate processing by the 26S proteasome.

The eukaryotic 26S proteasome is responsible for degrading virtually any protein with an appropriate ubiquitin signal, and in the process ubiquitin is spared and recycled. Two studies of the proteasome-associated deubiquitinase UBP6 now shed light on how deubiquitination coordinates the cycle of substrate processing.