cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase inhibition increases striatal L‐dopa and dopamine: An in vivo study in rats

We administered Ro 40–7592, an inhibitor of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) that crosses the blood-brain barrier, to rats and monitored extracellular catecholamine levels in the corpus striatum before and after the intraperitoneal administration of a bolus of 1-dopa. Acute administration of Ro 40–7592 increased basal levels of 1-dopa and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and decreased basal homovanillic acid (HVA) levels, but did not affect basal dopamine levels. In rats treated with Ro 40–7592, 1-dopa administration produced a greater increase in striatal levels of 1-dopa, dopamine, and DOPAC than it did in controls, while HVA formation was attenuated. We conclude that inhibition of COMT activity promotes central dopamine synthesis and release following administration of pharmacologic doses of 1-dopa.
Diapycnal flow through a tidal front: a dye tracer study on Georges Bank

Abstract A fluorescent dye tracer, fluorescein, injected into the bottom mixed layer (BML) at the off-bank edge of the tidal front on Georges Bank in late May and early June 1999 has provided the first quantitative measurement of an on-bank diapycnal Lagrangian flow through the front. From the warming of the dye patch, 1.9×10−6 and 7.6×10−6 °C/s on the south flank and northeast peak, respectively, as it passed through the frontal temperature gradient, we infer a mean on-bank flow of 1.6 cm/s on the south flank and 3.1 cm/s on the northeast peak. The heat flux required for this warming is predominantly due to vertical mixing within the tidal front. From the dispersion of the dye patch, we estimate a vertical diffusivity of 1.6 and 3.1×10−3 m2/s and a cross-front diffusivity of 18 and 30 m2/s on the south flank and northeast peak, respectively. The evolution of a second dye injection on the south flank was distinctly different from the first because of the proximity of the foot of shelfbreak front now displaced onto the bank by a transient meander to within 6 km of the tidal front. Although the dispersion of this patch was the same as for the first injection, its cross-bank displacement was much less reflecting the divergence of the cross-bank flow in this region.
Information science as "Little Science":The implications of a bibliometric analysis of theJournal of the American Society for Information Science

This paper considers the status of information science as science through an exploration ofone of the leading journals in the field – the Journal of the American Society for InformationScience (JASIS) from its initial publication as American Documentation (AD) in 1950 through theclosing issue of its Silver Anniversary year in December 1999. It is a bibliometric examination ofAD/JASIS articles. Based on our analysis of articles published in AD and JASIS from 1950 to1999, we find that there has been a slow but perhaps inevitable shift based first on the single nonfundedresearcher and author to a much wider research and publishing participation amongauthors, regions, corporate authors, and countries. This suggests not only cross-fertilization ofideas, but also more complex research questions. A small trend toward greater external fundingfurther reinforces this hypothesis. Information may no longer be "little" science, but it is also not"big" science.
On self-disclosure: The vulnerable therapist

The therapist may stimulate the family's growth by sharing his personal experiences directly with them. This helps by providing the family with a model of a real (versus symbolic) person and encouraging them to respond in new and competent ways. As a result, the emotional commitment of the therapeutic system may deepen, while unconscious conflicts that have been causing impasses may surface and be resolved. The therapist hopes that his self-disclosure will benefit the therapy, but understands that there are risks involved. Specific guidelines can help in deciding when not to share, what kinds of problems can be revealed, and what attitudes best strengthen this endeavor. Self-disclosure is discussed here in an experiential frame-work. The author illustrates the above points with examples from his own personal clinical and supervisory experiences.
The ultimate halo mass in a ΛCDM universe

In the far future of an acceleratingCDM cosmology, the cosmic web of large-scale structure consists of a set of increasingly isolated haloes in dynamical equilibrium. We examine the ap- proach of collisionless dark matter to hydrostatic equilibrium using a large N-body simulation evolved to scale factor a = 100, well beyond the vacuum-matter equality epoch, a eq = 0.75, and 53 h −1 Gyr into the future for a concordance model universe (� m = 0.3, � � = 0.7). The radial phase-space structure of haloes - characterized at a a eq by a pair of zero-velocity surfaces that bracket a dynamically active accretion region - simplifies at a 10 a eq when these surfaces merge to create a single zero-velocity surface, clearly defining the halo outer boundary, r halo, and its enclosed mass, M halo. This boundary approaches a fixed physical size encompassing a mean interior density ∼5 times the critical density, similar to the turnaround value in a classical Einstein-de Sitter model. We relate M halo to other scales currently used to define halo mass (M 200, M vir, M 180b) and find that M 200 is approximately half of the total asymptotic cluster mass, while M 180b follows the evolution of the inner zero-velocity surface for a 2b ut becomes much larger than the total bound mass for a 3. The radial density profile of all bound halo material is well fit by a truncated Hernquist profile. An NFW profile provides a somewhat better fit interior to r 200 bu ti smuch too shallow in the range r 200 < r < r halo. Ke yw ords: cosmology: theory - dark matter - large-scale structure of Universe.
Oxidative stress induces a prolonged but reversible arrest in p53-null cancer cells, involving a Chk1-dependent G2 checkpoint

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), the principal mediators of oxidative stress, induce responses such as apoptosis or permanent growth arrest/senescence in normal cells. Moreover, p53 activation itself contributes to ROS accumulation. Here we show that treatment of p53-null cancer cells with sublethal concentrations of ROS triggered an arrest with some morphological similarities to cellular senescence. Different from a classical senescent arrest in G1, the ROS-induced arrest was predominantly in the G2 phase of the cell cycle, and its establishment depended at least in part on an intact Chk1-dependent checkpoint. Chk1 remained phosphorylated only during the repair of double strand DNA breaks, after which Chk1 was inactivated, the G2 arrest was suppressed, and some cells recovered their ability to proliferate. Inhibition of Chk1 by an RNAi approach resulted in an increase in cell death in p53-null cells, showing that the Chk1-dependent G2 checkpoint protected cells that lacked a functional p53 pathway from oxidative stress. It has been proposed that the induction of a senescent-like phenotype by antineoplastic agents can contribute therapeutic efficacy. Our results indicate that oxidative stress-induced growth arrest of p53-null tumor cells cannot be equated with effective therapy owing to its reversibility and supports the concept that targeting Chk1 may enhance the effects of DNA-damaging agents on cancer progression in such tumors.
Amelioration of mitochondrial function by a novel antioxidant U-101033E following traumatic brain injury in rats

ABSTRACT In the present study, a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) was produced over the right parietal cortex of rats using the controlled cortical impact injury (CCII) model. TBI perturbed calcium homeostasis and impaired electron transfer and energy coupling activities of forebrain mitochondria isolated from injured hemispheres with a maximal injury at 12–72 h. Efficacy of the blood-brain barrier penetrating antioxidant U-101033E on TBI-induced mitochondrial impairment was evaluated. In the dose–response experiment, two i.v. boluses (vehicle or 1–10 mg/kg of U-101033E) were administered at 5 min and 2h post-TBI. Forebrain mitochondria from each hemisphere were examined at 12 h post-injury. With respect to forebrain mitochondrial dysfunction, the drug showed a bell-shaped dose–response curve with an optimal dose of 3 mg/kg {n = 5, p < 0.05 vs. vehicle). In the time-course experiment, two i.v. boluses of 3 mg U-101033E/kg (the optimal dose) were given at 5 min and 2 h post-injury and forebrain mitochon...
FES powered locomotion of paraplegics fitted with the LSU reciprocating gait orthoses (RGO)

Summary form only given, as follows. The LSU reciprocating gait orthoses (RGO) was fitted to a large population of paraplegics, allowing independent upright posture, balance and stability, execution of the swing phase in one leg simultaneously with push off of the contralateral leg, and unassisted ability to walk over moderate distances. A four-channel reciprocal muscle stimulator was applied to a group of paraplegics with the objective of improving the gait pattern and reducing the metabolic energy consumption. After six weeks of functional electrical stimulation (FES) exercise to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles, analysis shows that locomotion with the FES-RGO system reduces the patient's pulse rate by 11-17 pulses/minute, as well as improving the gait pattern by reduction of posterior pelvic tilt, floor clearance and postural balance. Subjective patient remarks strongly support the added value of the reciprocal FES stimulator. One C-5 paraplegic, who was unable to walk with the aid of the RGO alone, managed to become ambulatory once the FES stimulator was applied. >
Numerical Simulation of Pulsatile Flow in a Compliant Curved Tube Model of a Coronary Artery

The endothelial cells (ECs) lining a blood vessel wall are exposed to both the wall shear stress (WSS) of blood flow and the circumferential strain (CS) of pulsing artery wall motion. These two forces and their interaction are believed to play a role in determining remodeling of the vessel wall and development of arterial disease (atherosclerosis). This study focused on the WSS and CS dynamic behavior in a compliant model of a coronary artery taking into account the curvature of the bending artery and physiological radial wall motion. A three-dimensional finite element model with transient flow and moving boundaries was set up to simulate pulsatile flow with physiological pressure and flow wave forms characteristic of the coronary arteries. The characteristic coronary artery curvature and flow conditions applied to the simulation were: aspect ratio (lambda) = 10, diameter variation (DV) = 6 percent, mean Reynolds number (Re) = 150, and unsteadiness parameter (alpha) = 3. The results show that mean WSS is about 50 percent lower on the inside wall than the outside wall while WSS oscillation is stronger on the inside wall. The stress phase angle (SPA) between CS and WSS, which characterizes the dynamics of the mechanical force pattern applied to the endothelial cell layer, shows that CS and WSS are more out of phase in the coronaries than in any other region of the circulation (-220 deg on the outside wall, -250 deg on the inside wall). This suggests that in addition to WSS, SPA may play a role in localization of coronary atherosclerosis.
Complete experimental solution of three-dimensional elastic problems

AbstractThe mechanical and optical properties of a transparent epoxy are described, the response of which can be ‘locked-in’ at a critical temperature. The Poisson's ratio of this material is about 0.4, which is closer to the Poisson's ratio of common engineering materials than is that of the commonly used epoxies. Since the material is compressible, strain measurements on relaxed slices permit the complete determination of the stress field. Examples of applications to a solid and hollow sphere and to a tube, subjected to diametral compression, are given. The method permits the solution of three-dimensional problems by use of (1) photoelastic data only, (2) the moire method only, or (3) mechanically obtained data only, or different combinations of them.
Ventricular volume measurement from a multiplanar transesophageal ultrasonic imaging system: an in vitro study

A system to assess the feasibility of using multiple transesophageal ultrasonic images to measure left-ventricular volume is discussed. The system includes a special transesophageal probe with a micromanipulator for acquiring cardiac images in multiple planes with known interplanar spatial relationship and an offline processing system to compute the volume. In vitro studies with the probe demonstrated that the distance between two targets in space can be identified within 2 mm ( sigma =0.4 mm) for points in the imaging plane and 3.4 mm ( sigma =0.5 mm) for points not lying in the imaging plane. This gives an average accuracy of +or-6.5% for distances greater than 4.5 cm. Comparison of ultrasonic measurements of the volume of water-filled balloons and excised hearts to the volume required to fill them revealed a correlation coefficient of 0.992, a regression line with a slope of 1.0 and an ordinate intercept at 0.2 mL, and a standard error of the estimate of 8 mL. >
The presence and possible significance of cross-reactive antigens inRhizobium — legume associations

Soluble antigens of threeRhizobium species were compared by the agar-gel double-diffusion technique with those of eight legumes representing compatible and non-compatible hosts. Cross-reactive antigens were found between all the legume hosts and the three rhizobia. These common antigens among hosts and bacteria were not related to the specificity of compatibleRhizobium-legume associations. The cross-reactive antigens were absent between rhizobia and eight non-legume plants tested, but present between five out of eleven gramnegative phytopathogenic bacteria and legumes. The potential significance of cross-reactive antigens betweenRhizobium and legume hosts in nodule development is discussed.
Modeling and simulation of electronic structure, material interface and random doping in nano-electronic devices

The miniaturization of nano-scale electronic devices, such as metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), has given rise to a pressing demand in the new theoretical understanding and practical tactic for dealing with quantum mechanical effects in integrated circuits. Modeling and simulation of this class of problems have emerged as an important topic in applied and computational mathematics. This work presents mathematical models and computational algorithms for the simulation of nano-scale MOSFETs. We introduce a unified two-scale energy functional to describe the electrons and the continuum electrostatic potential of the nano-electronic device. This framework enables us to put microscopic and macroscopic descriptions in an equal footing at nano-scale. By optimization of the energy functional, we derive consistently coupled Poisson-Kohn-Sham equations. Additionally, layered structures are crucial to the electrostatic and transport properties of nano-transistors. A material interface model is proposed for more accurate description of the electrostatics governed by the Poisson equation. Finally, a new individual dopant model that utilizes the Dirac delta function is proposed to understand the random doping effect in nano-electronic devices. Two mathematical algorithms, the matched interface and boundary (MIB) method and the Dirichlet-to-Neumann mapping (DNM) technique, are introduced to improve the computational efficiency of nano-device simulations. Electronic structures are computed via subband decomposition and the transport properties, such as the I-V curves and electron density, are evaluated via the non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) formalism. Two distinct device configurations, a double-gate MOSFET and a four-gate MOSFET, are considered in our three-dimensional numerical simulations. For these devices, the current fluctuation and voltage threshold lowering effect induced by the discrete dopant model are explored. Numerical convergence and model well-posedness are also investigated in the present work.
Assessment of response to therapy of primary breast cancer by mammography and physical examination

Background. Accurate assessment of response to treatment is necessary to treat appropriately primary breast cancers that are not surgically removed. This retrospective study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of physical examination (PE) and mammography to assess response of primary breast cancer to medical therapy in women who were ineligible for initial surgical treatment. Methods. Thirteen women with 14 breast carcinomas were evaluated for interval changes. Except for 1 patient who had two follow-up studies, the other 12 each had a single follow-up study including PE and mammography ; changes therefore were assessed in 15 instances. Response to treatment also was judged by mastectomy results in two instances, changes in metastatic disease by other imaging procedures in five, and changes in primary tumor by computed tomography in two breasts. Results. In 11 of 15 assessments of posttherapy changes, PE and mammography results were similar concerning treatment response. Of four discordant followups, the tumors were found to be stable by PE, whereas they were found to be increasing by mammography in two. In both of these cases, progression of disease outside the breast was identified by other imaging studies, consistent with the mammographic findings. In another case, disease appeared to regress by PE but was unchanged by mammography ; disease extent in mastectomy specimens was consistent with that found mammographically and more extensive than that suggested by physical examination. In the fourth case, superficial healing of a fungating tumor was obvious by clinical examination but could not be appreciated by mammography. The detectability of changes was not related to type of treatment. Conclusions. Physical examination and mammography are both useful in the serial evaluation of breast cancers. Although usually complimentary, disease progression, when it occurs, may be detected by only one of these methods. Cancer 1995 ; 75 :2093-8.
Erratum to Variation of the transition dipole across the OH stretching band of water [Chem. Phys. 341 (2007) 218-229]

Fig. 1. of lemp relative to the value of the transition dipole at xJY = 3700 cm . This value of xJY was used for normalization instead of the experimental gas phase frequency due to excessive noise in the experimentally determined values of lemp shown in Fig. 5, which made the determination of the value of lemp at 3707 cm 1 difficult. Eq. (16) should instead read: lemp=lgas 1⁄4 2:087048 10 10 cm xOH 2:983164 10 6 cm xOH þ 1:595702 10 2 cm xOH 37:86765 cm xOH þ 33651:27 ð1Þ
Are 3C 120 and Other Active Galactic Nuclei Overweight Microquasars

The appearance of superluminal radio knots follows drops in the X-ray flux in the FR1 radio galaxy 3C 120 and possibly the FR2 source 3C 111. This corresponds in a very general way to the behavior of the X-ray binary GRS 1915 + 105, but the light curves of the microquasar are much richer in detail. Starting in 2003.7, the character of the radio and X-ray light curves of 3C 120 changed, perhaps signaling a new stage of activity. I discuss here what one might expect when a microquasar is scaled up to AGN dimensions, and compare this with what we see in 3C 120. There is a mismatch between expectations and observations.
Influence of nitrogen and sewage sludge on botanical composition of an old hay field.

Applications of either sewage sludge or N as ammonium nitrate were made to a 15-year-old hayfield over a 2-year period. The original seeding mixture was unknown but was believed to be timothy (Phleum pratense L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.). During the second year, botanical separations indicated that applications of both N and sewage sludge resulted in reduced proportions of red and volunteer white clover (Trifolium repens L.) as well as volunteer Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). During the growing season a decline in proportion of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) was observed for the control as well as for the N and sludge treatments. In contrast, quackgrass (Agropyron repens (L.) Beauv.) was markedly stimulated by the treatments and the proportion of it in the hay increased during the growing season.
A-V dissociation: a reappraisal.

Abstract 1. (1) Attention is drawn to regrettable inconsistencies in usage of the terms dissociation, escape, and interference. The senses in which interference has been mainly used are detailed and discussed. 2. (2) The early history of A-V dissociation (interference-dissociation) is traced, especially as it exemplifies usage of the terms dissociation and interference. In the interest of clarity it is urged that A-V dissociation be reserved for this arrhythmia and be not applied to complete A-V block. By so reserving it, and by eschewing the maltreated term interference, much of the existing terminologic confusion could be avoided. 3. (3) Reasons are given for regarding interference-dissociation, dissociation with interference, complete dissociation, and incomplete dissociation as now unsatisfactory terms. It is recommended that A-V dissociation be simply divided into dissociation with and dissociation without ventricular capture. 4. (4) None of the six criteria often regarded as characteristic of A-V dissociation (sinus control of atria, nodal control of ventricles, independence between atria and ventricles, ventricles beating faster than atria, presence of retrograde block, normal forward conduction) is essential to the definition of this arrhythmia; indeed, exceptions to these terms are numerous. Such exceptions are illustrated and discussed and an attempt is made to redefine A-V dissociation. 5. (5) Interference (in one sense) is sometimes regarded as the cause of dissociation. It can be argued, however, that the principium of dissociation is not interference (in any sense); rather the original sin is the dysrhythmic whim of a truant (defaulting) or insubordinate (usurping) pacemaker. 6. (6) The incidence and significance of A-V dissociation is briefly commented upon. In a series of 10,000 consecutive tracings in a general hospital, this arrhythmia was diagnosed 48 times (0.48 per cent or one in every 208 records). It occurred mainly in elderly patients with severe degenerative cardiovascular disease.
Randomness of the square root of 2 and the Giant Leap, Part 1

We prove that the “quadratic irrational rotation” exhibits a central limit theorem. More precisely, let α be an arbitrary real root of a quadratic equation with integer coefficients; say, α = % MathType!MTEF!2!1!+- % feaagaart1ev2aaatCvAUfKttLearuqr1ngBPrgarmWu51MyVXguY9 % gCGievaerbd9wDYLwzYbWexLMBbXgBcf2CPn2qVrwzqf2zLnharyav % P1wzZbItLDhis9wBH5garqqtubsr4rNCHbGeaGqiVu0Je9sqqrpepC % 0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yq % aqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-xfr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabe % qaamaaeaqbaaGcbaWaaOaaaeaacqaIYaGmaSqabaaaaa!3CE4! $$ \sqrt 2 $$ . Given any rational number 0 < x < 1 (say, x = 1/2) and any positive integer n, we count the number of elements of the sequence α, 2α, 3α, …, nα modulo 1 that fall into the subinterval [0, x]. We prove that this counting number satisfies a central limit theorem in the following sense. First, we subtract the “expected number” nx from the counting number, and study the typical fluctuation of this difference as n runs in a long interval 1 ≤ n ≤ N. Depending on α and x, we may need an extra additive correction of constant times logarithm of N; furthermore, what we always need is a multiplicative correction: division by (another) constant times square root of logarithm of N. If N is large, the distribution of this renormalized counting number, as n runs in 1 ≤ n ≤ N, is very close to the standard normal distribution (bell shaped curve), and the corresponding error term tends to zero as N tends to infinity. This is the main result of the paper (see Theorem 1.1). The proof is rather complicated and long; it has many interesting detours and byproducts. For example, the exact determination of the key constant factors (in the additive and multiplicative norming), which depend on α and x, requires surprisingly deep algebraic tools such as Dedeking sums, the class number of quadratic fields, and generalized class number formulas. The crucial property of a quadratic irrational is the periodicity of its continued fraction. Periodicity means self-similarity, which leads us to Markov chains: our basic probabilistic tool to prove the central limit theorem. We also use a lot of Fourier analysis. Finally, I just mention one byproduct of this research: we solve an old problem of Hardy and Littlewood on diophantine sums. The whole paper consists of an introduction and 17 sections. Part 1 contains the Introduction and Sections 1–7.
Conditional logistic regression models for correlated binary data

SUMMARY A class of conditional logistic regression models for clustered binary data is considered. This includes the polychotomous logistic model of Rosner (1984) as a special case. Properties such as the joint distribution and pairwise odds ratio are investigated. A class of easily computed estimating functions is introduced which is shown to have high efficiency compared to the computationally intensive maximum likelihood approach. An example on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among sibs is presented for illustration.
The GIX antigen of murine leukemia virus: an analysis with monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract The G IX antigen of murine retrovirus gp70 is a marker for virus replication in various cell types, as well as for T-cell differentiation and leukemogenesis in particular mouse strains. The serological definition of G IX depends on the cytotoxicity of a particular rat antiserum for thymocytes from strain 129 mice. We have found that two rat monoclonal antibodies, elicited by immunization with AKR ecotropic virus or AKR leukemia cells, co-type closely with G IX in several assay systems. Like G IX , the epitopes identified by the monoclonal antibodies are amplified on thymocytes during leukemogenesis in AKR mice. These antibodies are cytotoxic for G IX + leukemia cells and for fibroblasts infected with G IX + viral serotypes. Though absorbed by G IX + thymocytes of various strains, the antibodies are not cytotoxic for these cells. We ascribe the latter result to lower representation of antigenic sites on normal thymocytes, and postulate that more than one epitope may participate in classical G IX -mediated cytotoxicity. The monoclonal antibodies do not react with viral env products synthesized in the presence of the inhibitor of glycosylation, tunicamycin. Reactivity with the antibodies appears to require a stable configurational change in the env precursor protein coinciding with glycosylation, rather than direct participation of carbohydrate in the antigenic site. Thus subsequent enzymatic removal of carbohydrate chains in vitro does not alter reactivity with the antibodies.
Keynote Speaker: Taking the "Virtual" Out of Virtual Reality

Summary form only given. Today's graphics programs cannot only produce stunning photo-realistic images or convincingly real scene displays for interactive exploration, they can also produce physi cal output - thanks to the emergence of several different layered manufacturing technologies. For many design activities creating tangible models through some rapid prototyping prcess is a new and crucial feedback loop for debugging the functionality or customer-appeal of a new product. Dr. Sequin has two decades of experience with creating mathematical visualization models and designs ranging from university buildings to abstract geometrical sculptures. Turning these virtual creations into physical realities, however, raises a whole new set of issues that are often overlooked in the initial virtual design phase.
Androgen Binding Protein (ABP) in Fluids Collected from the Rete Testis and Cauda Epididymidis of Sexually Mature and Immature Rabbits and Observations on Morphological Changes in the Epididymis Following Ligation of the Ductuli Efferentes

Fluids entering and leaving the epididymis were obtained from sexually mature and immature rabbits and examined for the presence of androgen binding protein (ABP). In mature animals and in immature animals in which fluid secretion by the testis had begun, estimated concentrations of the binding moiety in rete testis fluid were similar. In contrast, ABP concentrations in fluids from the cauda epididymidis varied considerably: in immature males the ABP concentration was much higher than that in rete testis fluid, but fell drastically to lower levels at sexual maturity. The androgen binding moiety in both fluids at both stages of development was shown to have similar specificities for steroids. The variability in ABP concentration that was observed was not a function of either the method used or of endogenous steroids present in the fluids. The histological studies suggest that the normal morphological characteristics of the proximal region of the epididymis of the maturing male rabbit are dependent upon passage of fluid of testicular origin through its lumen. Possible explanations for the differences in ABP concentration in the fluid from the cauda epididymidis of immature and adult rabbits are discussed, as are possible functions of ABP.
Towards the use of Six Sigma in software development

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how Six Sigma may be applied to the software development process (SDP). Six Sigma is a strategy that measures the degree by which a business process deviates from its goal (Harry, 1998). So in this paper we investigate the application of the design for Six Sigma approach to the SDP with the intent of minimising software defects and shortening the software development life cycle.
Effect of nelfinavir on insulin metabolism, proteasome activity and protein degradation in HepG2 cells

HIV-1 protease inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of HIV infection, but their use has been associated with lipodystrophy and insulin resistance. One suggestion for this has been the inhibition of insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE). We have previously demonstrated that insulin, through IDE, can inhibit the proteasome, thus decreasing cytosolic protein degradation. We examined whether the protease inhibitor nelfinavir inhibited IDE and its effect on protein degradation both in vitro and in whole cells. 125I-Insulin degradation was measured by trichloroacetic acid precipitation. Proteasome activities were measured using fluorogenic peptide substrates. Cellular protein degradation was measured by prelabelling cells with 3H-leucine and determining the release of TCA-soluble radioactivity. Nelfinavir inhibited IDE in a concentration-dependent manner with 50% inhibition at the maximal concentration tested, 100 microm. Similarly, the chymotrypsin-like and trypsin-like activities of the proteasome were decreased with an IC50 of approximately 3 microm. The ability of insulin to inhibit the proteasome was abrogated by nelfinavir. Treatment of HepG2 cells with 50 microm nelfinavir decreased 125I-insulin degradation and increased cell-associated radioactivity. Insulin alone maximally decreased protein degradation by 15%. Addition of 50 microm nelfinavir inhibited cellular protein degradation by 14% and blunted the effect of insulin. These data show that nelfinavir inhibits IDE, decreases insulin's ability to inhibit protein degradation via the proteasome and provides another possible mechanism for the insulin resistance seen in protease inhibitor-treated HIV patients.
In Vivo Orientation of Single Myosin Lever Arms in Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle

Cardiac and skeletal myosin assembled in the muscle lattice power contraction by transducing ATP free energy into the mechanical work of moving actin. Myosin catalytic/lever-arm domains comprise the transduction/mechanical coupling machinery that move actin by lever-arm rotation. In vivo, myosin is crowded and constrained by the fiber lattice as side chains are mutated and otherwise modified under normal, diseased, or aging conditions that collectively define the native myosin environment. Single-myosin detection uniquely defines bottom-up characterization of myosin functionality. The marriage of in vivo and single-myosin detection to study zebrafish embryo models of human muscle disease is a multiscaled technology that allows one-to-one registration of a selected myosin molecular alteration with muscle filament-sarcomere-cell-fiber-tissue-organ- and organism level phenotypes. In vivo single-myosin lever-arm orientation was observed at superresolution using a photoactivatable-green-fluorescent-protein (PAGFP)-tagged myosin light chain expressed in zebrafish skeletal muscle. By simultaneous observation of multiphoton excitation fluorescence emission and second harmonic generation from myosin, we demonstrated tag specificity for the lever arm. Single-molecule detection used highly inclined parallel beam illumination and was verified by quantized photoactivation and photobleaching. Single-molecule emission patterns from relaxed muscle in vivo provided extensive superresolved dipole orientation constraints that were modeled using docking scenarios generated for the myosin (S1) and GFP crystal structures. The dipole orientation data provided sufficient constraints to estimate S1/GFP coordination. The S1/GFP coordination in vivo is rigid and the lever-arm orientation distribution is well-ordered in relaxed muscle. For comparison, single myosins in relaxed permeabilized porcine papillary muscle fibers indicated slightly differently oriented lever arms and rigid S1/GFP coordination. Lever arms in both muscles indicated one preferred spherical polar orientation and widely distributed azimuthal orientations relative to the fiber symmetry axis. Cardiac myosin is more radially displaced from the fiber axis. Probe rigidity implies the PAGFP tag reliably indicates cross-bridge orientation in situ and in vivo.
Dynamics of a magnetoelastic cosserat surface

Abstract Governing equations are derived for the deformation of an elastic Cosserat surface which is capable of interacting with a magnetic field. The surface is assumed to consist of a nonconducting, magnetically saturated, elastic material. No dissipation is admitted. The equations are applicable for the analysis of the deformation of a thin shell for which the surface is the reference surface. Direct applications of the equations are found in the prediction of the response of a magnetostrictive ring transducer.
Estimating original assemblage content to adjust for post‐depositional vertical artifact movement

Abstract Frequency curves of a particular class of artifacts, such as pottery, from each stratum assemblage have been used to derive relative chronologies and simultaneously models of cultural change. Such empirical counts do not usually take into account post‐depositional processes affecting archaeological remains. A distinctive type of ceramic, coin molds, from the Iron Age hillfort at the Titelberg in Luxembourg provides the model for presenting a method for estimating original assemblage content per stratum on the basis of the artifact frequency as actually recovered upon excavation.
Concerning the anomalous Fermi strength in the β+-decay of 20Na and mirror symmetry in the mass-20 multiplet☆

Abstract The β+-strength in the decay of 20Na to the isobaric analog state in 20Ne has been measured precisely. Contrary to previous measurements, it has been found that essentially the full Fermi strength is associated with this transition. A test of mirror symmetry has also been made for the decay to the first excited state of 20Ne. There is evidence of an asymmetry somewhat smaller than that expected from the Wilkinson systematics.
Solitary neurons in human tongue.

Many solitary neurons, each encapsuled by a number of satellite cells and surrounded by collagenic fibers and unaccompanied by other nerve cells, are observed in specimens of the posterior third of the human tongue. They are ganglion cells of the parasympathetic nervous system supplying postganglionic fibers that are adenomotor to von Ebner's gland and myomotor to the smooth muscle of blood vessels. The occurence of solitary neurons suggests that a “ganglion” may consist of a single nerve cell. It is emphasized that the lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve supplying the posterior third of the human tongue is not a sensory but a mixed nerve.
An analytic model of the VM/370 system

This paper describes an analytic model of an interactive multiprogrammed computer system. The model accepts a multiple-user-class, transaction-oriented workload description and a system configuration description, and it produces predictions of resource utilizations, transaction rates, and average transaction response times. The solution method involves nearly complete decomposition, with a closed queuing network representing the multiprogrammed set. Asymptotic formulas are used to generate good initial guesses for an overall iterative scheme. Extensive validation results are presented.
The Nature of Stereotypes II: A Multiple‐Process Model of Evaluations1

A model integrating 3 theoretical perspectives regarding how stereotypes influence person perception was tested. The theories included evaluative extremity theories, assumed characteristics theory, and expectancy violation theory. Predictions were assessed by manipulating the ethnicity, personal appearance, and speech style of target job applicants. These applicants were rated by 109 judges. Results showed that: (a) Judges evaluated job applicants far more on the basis of their personal appearance and speech style than on the basis of their ethnicity; (b) the range of evaluations of African American applicants was larger than the range of evaluations of White applicants; and (c) overall, judges evaluated the African American applicants more favorably than the White applicants. Results strongly supported the model integrating the 3 theories. We discuss the applicability of the model to other research and naturalistic situations.
Helping Parents Cope With the Trauma of Premature Birth: An Evaluation of a Trauma-Preventive Psychological Intervention

Objective. To ascertain whether a trauma-preventive psychological intervention program for parents of premature infants during hospitalization in a level III NICU may reduce the severity of symptomatic response to the traumatic impact of premature birth. Methods. Mothers of premature infants were enrolled consecutively in a sequential control group design. Intervention group mothers received a structured psychological intervention in the first days after birth. Each mother could make use of additional psychological support if required and was actively approached at critical times during her infant9s NICU stay. Control group mothers did not receive psychological intervention but could ask for counseling by the hospital minister. At discharge, mothers of both groups answered a questionnaire covering key outcome variables (symptoms of traumatization, emotions at discharge, and sample and control variables). Results. At discharge, intervention group mothers (N = 25) showed significantly lower levels of symptomatic response to the traumatic stressor “premature birth” than those in the control group (N = 25; mean overall symptom level 25.2 [SD: 13.9] vs 37.5 [SD: 19.2]). Conclusions. This intervention program for parents after premature birth, combining early crisis intervention, psychological aid throughout the infant9s hospitalization, and intense support at critical times, reduced the symptoms of traumatization relating to premature birth.
Evidence for positive and negative regulation in the promoter of the chicken δ1-crystallin gene

We investigated the role of sequences flanking the transcription initiation site of the delta 1-crystallin gene in transient transfection assays of primary embryonic chicken lens epithelial cells or fibroblasts. Varying lengths of the 5' flanking sequence of the delta 1-crystallin gene (containing some untranslated sequence from exon 1) were fused to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) gene in the pSVOCAT plasmid. A plasmid carrying the bacterial beta-galactosidase gene driven by the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter was used as an internal control. Standardized results showed that the sequence located between -120 to -43 exhibited strong promoter activity; however, the promoter activity was markedly reduced (20-fold) when the upstream sequence between -603 and -120 was included in the construct. The delta 1-crystallin promoter displayed little lens preference. This upstream sequence did not reduce the activity of the Simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter (with or without its enhancer) or the Herpes thymidine kinase promoter in transfection tests, indicating some specificity in its effect. Evidence for a delta 1-crystallin negative trans-acting factor was provided by competition experiments. Our data raise the possibility that expression of the delta 1-crystallin gene involves a negative cis-acting transcription element, a speculation which may deserve further attention in view of the gradual decrease in delta-crystallin synthesis in the developing lens.
Different Mutational Pathways to CXCR4 Coreceptor Switch of CCR5-Using Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus

We report here a second case of coreceptor switch in R5 simian-human immunodeficiency virus SF162P3N (SHIV SF162P3N )-infected macaque CA28, supporting the use of this experimental system to examine factors that drive the change in coreceptor preference in vivo. Virus recovered from CA28 plasma (SHIV CA28NP ) used both CCR5 and CXCR4 for entry, but the virus recovered from lymph node (SHIV CA28NL ) used CXCR4 almost exclusively. Sequence and functional analyses showed that mutations in the V3 loop that conferred CXCR4 usage in macaque CA28 differed from those described in the previously reported case, demonstrating divergent mutational pathways for change in the coreceptor preference of the R5 SHIV SF162P3N isolate in vivo.
Modeling Of Dynamic Effects Of A Low Power Laser Beam

Methods of modeling some of the dynamic effects involved in laser beam propagation through the atmosphere are addressed with emphasis on the development of simple but accurate models which are readily implemented in a physical optics code. A space relay system with a ground based laser facility is considered as an example. The modeling of such characteristic phenomena as laser output distribution, flat and curved mirrors, diffraction propagation, atmospheric effects (aberration and wind shear), adaptive mirrors, jitter, and time integration of power on target, is discussed.
Ethylene bisdithiocarbamate pesticides cause cytotoxicity in transformed and normal human colon cells

Abstract The effects of the fungicides Maneb, Mancozeb, and Zineb were investigated in transformed colon cells, HT-29, Caco2 and non-transformed cells, CCD-18Co. Significant decreases in viability were observed with Maneb and Mancozeb in HT-29 and CCD-18Co (80–260 μM), and Caco2 cells (40–180 μM). No significant decreases in viability were observed in all cell types up to 800 μM with Zineb. MnCl 2 and ZnCl 2 exposure produced no loss of viability in all cell types up to 400 μM. Light microscopy confirmed viability analysis. Lipid peroxidation was observed with Maneb and Mancozeb in cell types tested (60–200 μM). Caspase 3/7, 8, and 9 activities were observed with Maneb and Mancozeb in cell types tested (40–200 μM). Maneb and Mancozeb treated HT-29 and Caco2 cells demonstrated increases in manganese and zinc concentrations (20–200 μM). The lack of toxicity observed with Zineb, MnCl 2 , and ZnCl 2 suggests that both the metal moiety and the organic portion of these fungicides together contribute to toxicity.
Human neuroimaging of acute and chronic marijuana use: Implications for frontocerebellar dysfunction.

The effects of cannabis use on the human brain are not well understood. Recently neuroimaging research has begun to address the question of metabolic changes secondary to (1) long-term chronic cannabis use, and (2) acute intoxication due to cannabis smoke or injection of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) solution. A comprehensive review of the neuroimaging literature was performed. To further interpret and understand this research, literature addressing animal receptor and neurochemical models were also surveyed. Neuroimaging findings have concluded that abstinence from smoking results in depressed cerebral metabolism in chronic users, while acute exposure reverses this condition, producing higher cerebral blood flow in chronic users compared to controls. These changes are hypothesized to be associated with alterations of cannabinoid receptors secondary to chronic exposure. Findings from animal models are consistent with the proposition that adaptation to chronic exposure results in adjustment of normal neurotransmitter levels. The frontopontocerebellar network is implicated as a site sensitive to cannabinoid-induced alterations in the levels of dopaminergic activity derived through the medial forebrain bundle, which projects from the ventral tegmental area. This network is involved in the modulation of a range of human behavior that is clearly altered by use of cannabis. The combined neuroimaging and animal data suggest that metabolism of component regions of the frontopontocerebellar network are altered by acute and chronic exposure to cannabis through modulation of both the cannabinoid and the dopamine system. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring How Project Work Enhances Student Teachers' Understanding of Children with Special Needs.

In this year-long qualitative study we found that most early childhood student teachers involved children with special needs in project work and realized its benefits. The factors that promoted children’s involvement were familiarity and interest in the topic, comfort with the size and composition of the small group, and the use of open-ended, child-centered activities. While challenged, student teachers were able to meet the broad range of developmental levels through project work. They recognized and valued how project work can promote acceptance of diversity. Positive field experiences in an inclusive setting incorporating project work deepened student teachers’ understanding of children with special needs.
Activity coefficients in (hydrogen bromide + magnesium bromide)(aq) at several temperatures. Application of Pitzer's equations☆

Activity coefficients of HBr in (hydrogen bromide + magnesium bromide)(aq) have been determined at constant total ionic strengths of (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0) mol · kg−1. Temperatures ranged from 278.15K to 318.15K at 5K intervals. Electromotive-force measurements were made on the cell without liquid junction: Pt|H2(g,p = 101.325 kPa)|HBr(mA), MgBr2(mB)|AgBr(s)|Ag(s) The results have been interpreted using Harned's equations and the more comprehensive treatment of Pitzer. Activity coefficients for HBr in the salt mixtures obey Harned's rule at all ionic strengths studied. The Pitzer mixing parameters SθH, Mg and ψH, Mg, Br (including higher-order electrostatic effects) and θH, Mg and ψH, Mg, Br (excluding higher-order electrostatic effects) as well as the temperature derivatives of the mixing coefficients have been determined. Trace activity coefficients for HBr and MgBr2 have also been calculated.